Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Uli Stielike felt his side deserved a share of the spoils as Korea Republic missed out on an opportunity to claim their first AFC Asian Cup title in 55 years when Australia won the continental championship for the first time at Stadium Australia on Saturday evening.
Son Heung-min scored for the Koreans in injury time at the end of the second half to take the final into extra-time, cancelling out Massimo Luongo’s opener only for James Troisi to score in the 105th minute to give Australia the title.
Troisi’s goal ensured the trophy stayed in the host country for the next four years, but Stielike still managed to praise his team despite the disappointment of defeat.
Video highlights: Korea Republic 1-2 Australia
Watch Uli Stieleke's post-match interview
Read full match report
“I don't agree that we’re not champions, I agree that we don’t have the Cup but our players are champions of a lot of hearts and, in a lot of messages I’ve received in the minutes after the game, everybody is giving a big hand to the player,” he said.
“It was a game that could have seen victory go to one side or the other. I think the best for this game would be a draw and each team takes the Cup for two years at home.
“It can’t be like this, but this final came in the right time and the right place and I can’t say more.”
The former Real Madrid midfielder praised his players for their performance and is convinced the team has laid the groundwork for further success in the future having played in front of a sold out Stadium Australia.
“Some players are going home to Seoul, some are going to Spain, to Germany to join their clubs, so professional football is not so easy like a lot of people are thinking,” said Stielike.
“I can just give them felicitations and convey to them that we have to go on in this way.
“Today was the best game in terms of body language, when you play in front of 76,000 people and some players have never played in this ambience. There’s no difference in which is the home team and which is from outside, they were very aggressive and had a very good spirit.
“We know we have to work on technical things but the mentality and discipline in this team is excellent.”
Stielike also had a special message for fans back in Korea watching the game at home.
“Korea, you can be proud of your boys,” he said in Korean. “This is what I’m thinking and more what I’m feeling. For the future, we’re on the right way because we have a good group.”
Photo: WSG