Asian Games
Korea Republic came from behind to edge China PR 2-1 while Japan were taken to the distance by Uzbekistan, emerging 9-8 winners in a marathon penalty shoot-out after the score was tied 1-1 after extra-time.
Korea Republic 2-1 China PR
China PR started on the front foot and took the lead in the 23rd minute after a flowing team move with Mao Weijie clipping the ball to Wang Yudong who chested down the ball before poking past Kim Joon-hong.
Korea Republic recovered to draw level 10 minutes later, Eom Ji-sung’s corner delivery was met by a towering Lee Young-jun header which goalkeeper Li Hao got a hand to but not enough to keep the ball out.
Eom was instrumental again as the defending champions found the winner in the 82nd minute, his precise cross from the left found Stoke City midfielder Bae Junho who squeezed his header between the near post and Li.
Uzbekistan 1 (8)-(9) 1 Japan
Uzbekistan stunned the majority home support at Nagai Stadium after only eight minutes of play, breaking away to great effect with Saidkhon Khamidov’s low cross sidefooted home by Sardorbek Bakhromov for his third goal of the tournament.
Sitting on the lead, Uzbekistan backed off and Japan started to gain control but despite having the lion’s share of possession, were left frustrated until the 88th minute.
Yuto Ozeki released Keita Kosugi on the flank and the left-back swung in a cross which Sena Ishibashi thumped home to send the tie into an additional 30 minutes and subsequent penalties.
Misses from Azizbek Tulkunbekov and Brian Nwadike took the penalties to sudden death with Kuvonchbek Khushvaktov blazing his kick over the bar to send Japan into the final.
Photos: AFP
