Son Heung-min proved the hero as South Korea defeated Australia 2-1 in extra time to progress to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.
Victory kept alive South Korea s hopes of a third Asian Cup title and a first since 1960, as they teed up a last-four tie with Jordan, who beat Tajikistan 1-0.
South Korea had to do it the hard way at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday, after Craig Goodwin volleyed Australia ahead in the first half.
Hwang Hee-chan’s stoppage-time penalty forced extra time, however, with Son s spectacular free-kick in the 104th minute securing the win, with Aiden O Neill s VAR-awarded red card then compounding Australia s frustration.
This isn t really the way we want to win matches but we were ready to battle hard, Son said.
Winning this way will help with the morale of the whole team. I was really touched by the sacrifices that everyone on the team made. Each and every one of the team deserves to be complimented.
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en)
Australia goalscorer Goodwin said: We were one minute away from going through.
If we had taken those chances, we could have put the game to bed but Korea is a great team with great players and we gave them some opportunities from set-pieces that we didn t need to. And when they have quality like that with Son, they punished us.
South Korea s victory came after Jordan had snapped the dream run of tournament debutants Tajikistan.
Vahdat Hanonov s own goal midway through the second half proved decisive at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Mousa Tamari had the chance to extend Jordan s lead but the winger shot just wide from inside the area.
