AFC U23 Asian Cup
The hard-fought quarter-final victory means Korea Republic make a return to the last four stage after missing out in the previous two editions, with defending champions Japan awaiting them in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Korea Republic had to be alert as early as the fourth minute with keeper Hong Seong-min having to produce a low save to deny Jed Drew’s long-range effort before surging upfield to return the favour a minute later.
Baek Ga-on sent a deep pass to Jang Seok-hwan, who beat his marker and attempted to catch the onrushing Steven Hall off his line but his curling shot sailed over the bar.
Baek Ga-on sent a deep pass to Jang Seok-hwan, who beat his marker and attempted to catch the onrushing Steven Hall off his line but his curling shot sailed over the bar.
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The 2020 champions continued to dictate the game with Kang Seong-jin and Kang Min-jun threatening before leaving the Australians stunned in the 21st minute with a brilliantly taken finish by Baek.
Australia were caught napping by Lee Hyun-Yong’s long ball into the box, which fell perfectly for Suwon defender Baek to finish with a fine volley into the back of the net.
Australia looked to respond and thought they had earned a penalty in the 38th minute when Kang Min-jun was flagged for a handball but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Australia were caught napping by Lee Hyun-Yong’s long ball into the box, which fell perfectly for Suwon defender Baek to finish with a fine volley into the back of the net.
Australia looked to respond and thought they had earned a penalty in the 38th minute when Kang Min-jun was flagged for a handball but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Q-final: Australia v Korea Republic
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The half-time break, however, seemed to work wonders for Australia as they showed more attacking intent, with Korea Republic being forced to defend.
The aggressive approach paid off in the 51st minute with Drew initiating the move on the right flank, with the midfielder setting up Luka Jovanovic who rounded Hong Seong-min and buried the ball in the net.
The aggressive approach paid off in the 51st minute with Drew initiating the move on the right flank, with the midfielder setting up Luka Jovanovic who rounded Hong Seong-min and buried the ball in the net.
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Australia kept pressing in the closing stages with Shin Min-ha clearing a dangerous ball inside the six-yard-box in the 79th minute, with Aydan Hammond then put clear on goal in the 86th but drilled his effort straight at Hong.
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The missed opportunities came back to haunt Australia as Shin Min-ha rose highest to power home Kang Seong-jin's corner to seal the win in the 89th minute as Korea Republic stayed on course for a second title.
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