Goals from Lee Jung-hyub and Kim Young-gwon secured South Korea’s first Asian Cup final appearance since 1988 with a 2-0 victory against Iraq. They face either hosts Australia or the United Arab Emirates in the final on January 31.
There was no repeat of Iraq’s shock win over Korea Republic in 2007, when they won a dramatic penalty shoot-out before completing their fairy tale run by beating Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy in Jakarta.
The Taeguk Warriors still to concede in their five matches, simply overpowered the Iraqis,
Son Heungmin had already forced goalkeeper Jalal Hassan into a smart save with a long-distance rocket before Lee – a surprise Asian Cup call-up by coach Uli Stielike – netted his second goal of the tournament.
Lee, who scored in the 1-0 win over Australia in the group stages, turned provider five minutes after the break, chesting down a high ball for Kim to smash home from the edge of the box.
They did not have it all their own way though, as Iraq also threatened.
Kalaf took too long when presented with its first opening, before Mahmood had two efforts to halve the deficit blocked by resolute Korean defending.
In the closing minutes, chances continued to fall Iraq’s way, but a goal did not arrive and the Reds moved a step closer to ending their 55-year wait for an Asian Cup triumph.
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