AFC U23 Asian Cup
Both endured mixed fortunes in the group stage with Antony Vidmar’s side staging a stunning fightback to defeat Iraq 2-1 in Group D while Korea Republic advanced as the Group D runners-up after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan.
“We’re very happy and excited to have reached the quarter-finals. We came through a tough group, and now we know we’ll face top opposition. Korea Republic are one of the strongest teams, and it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to,” said Vidmar.
“We’ve improved with each game. The first match against Thailand (won 2-1) was our first as a full group, so we were a bit rusty. Against China, we executed our game plan well, and the win over Iraq showed our character – pushing until the 100th minute to get the result. That reflects the belief, intent and energy of the players — they don’t stop."
“We’ve improved with each game. The first match against Thailand (won 2-1) was our first as a full group, so we were a bit rusty. Against China, we executed our game plan well, and the win over Iraq showed our character – pushing until the 100th minute to get the result. That reflects the belief, intent and energy of the players — they don’t stop."
“Korea Republic are strong individually and collectively. They like to dominate possession, attack behind the defence, and use their creative players.
"Defensively, they’re well organised with intense pressing and counter-pressing. We played them six months ago in two exciting games, and I expect nothing less tomorrow.”
"Defensively, they’re well organised with intense pressing and counter-pressing. We played them six months ago in two exciting games, and I expect nothing less tomorrow.”
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Korea Republic also endured a challenging route to the quarter-finals – a goalless draw against Islamic Republic of Iran was followed by a come from behind 4-2 win over plucky Lebanon before the defeat to Uzbekistan, with head coach Lee Min-sung expecting his players to raise the bar.
“During the earlier games, we didn’t perform at our best and missed some opportunities but in the quarter-finals against Australia, we will show our best,” said Lee. “Australia’s quality is outstanding, but we are focused on our formation and playing more aggressively."
“During the earlier games, we didn’t perform at our best and missed some opportunities but in the quarter-finals against Australia, we will show our best,” said Lee. “Australia’s quality is outstanding, but we are focused on our formation and playing more aggressively."
“If we maintain that focus, we believe we can achieve a good outcome. In the group stage, we lacked confidence but improving that will take us further.
“Physically, we’ve been well prepared throughout the tournament but technically, there were some mistakes in the past three games perhaps due to pressure. We will improve on that against Australia and I believe we will deliver a much better performance.”
“Physically, we’ve been well prepared throughout the tournament but technically, there were some mistakes in the past three games perhaps due to pressure. We will improve on that against Australia and I believe we will deliver a much better performance.”
Trivia
● This will be the third time that Australia and Korea Republic meet in the AFC U23 Asian Cup, with the East Asian side winning each of the previous two encounters between the two sides – a 3-2 victory in the group stage of the 2018 edition and a 2-0 triumph in 2020 in the semi-finals.
● Korea Republic have conceded four goals in the ongoing edition, their most in the group stage over a single campaign; they have made the quarte-rfinals in each of their seven participations, the only side to do so.
● Australia scored an injury time equaliser and winner in their 2-1 win against Iraq in their most recent game (90+3’ and 90+7’), making it just the second such instance in AFC U23 Asian Cup history after Uzbekistan did so in a 2-1 victory against China PR on 12 January 2014 (scoring goals at 90+2’ and 90+4’).
● Korea Republic’s duo of Bae Hyun-seo and Shin Min-ha have completed 88.2% and 87.5% of their passes ending in the final third, the second and third best rate in the ongoing tournament (min. 30 such passes attempted) behind Qatar’s Mohamed Gouda (94.1%).
● Yaya Dukuly (Australia) has logged a dribble success rate of 71.4% (5/7 dribbles completed) in the ongoing edition, the second highest among players who attempted more than five dribbles behind China PR’s Behram Abduweli (77.8% - 7/9 dribbles completed).
Australia v Korea Republic
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: 18:30 (UTC+3)
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: 18:30 (UTC+3)
