Son: My focus was only on helping Korea Republic win, not avenge 2015 defeat

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Son: My focus was only on helping Korea Republic win, not avenge 2015 defeat

Al Wakrah: Son Heung-min insisted his determination to defeat Australia was motivated by the desire to keep Korea Republic’s hopes of lifting the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ alive and not to avenge the Taeguk Warriors’ heart-breaking loss to the Socceroos in the 2015 final.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward was instrumental in Jurgen Klinsmann’s side advancing to a last four meeting with Jordan, winning the penalty that allowed Hwang Hee-chan to score an injury time equaliser before hitting a sweetly-struck free-kick in extra-time that sealed the 2-1 victory.
 
The win came almost nine years to the day since Korea Republic lost to the Australians in the 2015 final in Sydney, when Son scored in injury time to take that game into an additional 30 minutes only for James Troisi to hit the winner as Ange Postecoglou’s side were crowned champions.

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We were punished for our misses, admits Australia’s Arnold

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

We were punished for our misses, admits Australia’s Arnold

Al Wakrah: Graham Arnold rued his side missed chances after Australia went out of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ following an extra time 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.

Despite Korea’s dominance on the ball, it was Australia who created more chances but it wasn’t to be as Mitch Duke, Martin Boyle and Riley McGree all missed good opportunities to increase their lead before Korea’s late rally.

Son stars as Korea Republic stay on track

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Son stars as Korea Republic stay on track

Al Wakrah: Son Heung-min played a captain's role as Korea Republic moved within two matches of a third title after a pulsating 2-1 win over Australia in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-final on Friday.

Champions in 1956 and 1960, Korea Republic had to dig deep to see off the challenge of 2015 winners Australia.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some interesting facts and figures from the epic last eight showdown. 

Korea Republic fight back to edge Australia in thriller

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Korea Republic fight back to edge Australia in thriller

Al Wakrah: Son Heung-min dragged Korea Republic into the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday, winning an injury time penalty and scoring a stunning extra-time free-kick to earn his nation a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Australia at Al Janoub Stadium.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward hauled the Taeguk Warriors back into the game after Craig Goodwin had given the Australians a 42nd minute lead with a close-range volley and the Koreans will now meet Jordan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday for a spot in the final.

Ammouta urges Jordan players to channel semi-final joy into confidence

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Ammouta urges Jordan players to channel semi-final joy into confidence

Al Rayyan: Head coach Hussein Ammouta wants his Jordan players to channel their joy of qualifying to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-finals into confidence when they take on Korea Republic in their next challenge.

Jordan defeated Tajikistan 1-0 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday, thanks to a Vahdat Hanonov own goal, to book their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in their history, having been eliminated at the quarter-finals on two previous occasions.

Tajikistan exit with heads held high, says Segrt

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Tajikistan exit with heads held high, says Segrt

Doha: A disappointed Petar Segrt was effusive in his praise of his players despite Tajikistan making a heartbreaking exit from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ following their 1-0 defeat to Jordan in their quarter-final tie at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.

Well liked for his flamboyance at the tournament, Segrt expressed his dismay at exiting the tournament but expressed admiration for his players, saying they had performed beyond expectations.

QF - Preview: Qatar v Uzbekistan

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

QF - Preview: Qatar v Uzbekistan

Doha: Srecko Katanec is confident his Uzbekistan players know how to deliver the performance required to overcome champions Qatar in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as the Central Asians look to progress to the last four for the first time since 2011.

Uzbekistan defeated Qatar in the opening game of the AFC Asian Cup the last time the tournament was played in the West Asian country before going on to reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by Australia.
 
And after impressing at the current edition of the continental showpiece, Katanec is putting his faith in his players to deliver another strong performance when they take on Marquez Lopes’ hosts at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.

QF - Preview: IR Iran v Japan

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

QF - Preview: IR Iran v Japan

Doha: Hajime Moriyasu expects his Japan side to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, just as they did in five of the last six editions of the continental showpiece.

Standing in their way at Education City Stadium on Saturday are Islamic Republic of Iran, with the Samurai Blue holding an unbeaten record against their opponents at the AFC Asian Cup (W2 D2).