ABU DHABI (AFP) - An effervescent Son Heung-min inspired title-chasing South Korea to a comfortable 2-0 victory over China on Wednesday (Jan 16) to finish top of their Asian Cup group.
Iran, joint favourites with the Koreans, also advanced as group winners despite being held to a goalless draw by bitter rivals Iraq, while Kyrgyzstan squeaked through on their tournament debut.
Hwang Ui-jo and Kim Min-jae were on target as South Korea, boosted by the arrival of their talisman, ran China ragged in Abu Dhabi.
Son won the penalty converted by Hwang and fizzed in the assist for Kim to help South Korea finish top of Group C with a perfect nine points as they look to end 59 years of Asian Cup hurt.
"Of course I'm a bit tired - I didn't expect to play for so long," Korean captain Son told AFP after completing 87 minutes despite a punishing run of 13 games for Tottenham since the start of December.
"But it's an honour to wear this red shirt and play for the national team. My first game of the tournament, clean sheet, 2-0 - it's a happy afternoon!"
Marcello Lippi's China finished as group runners-up having likewise already sealed their place in the last 16 by winning their first two matches.
Spurs forward Son, who played in the London club's 1-0 defeat by Manchester United three days ago, showed quick feet to tempt China defender Shi Ke into a rash lunge after 12 minutes.
Hwang calmly tucked away the spot-kick to send thousands of Korean 'Red Devils' fans wild at the compact Al Nahyan Stadium.
South Korea, who beat Asian Cup first-timers Philippines and Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in their opening two games, went for the jugular.
A Hwang Hee-chan rocket forced China goalkeeper Yan Junling into a fingertip save before Hwang Ui-jo curled an effort against the post.
The Koreans doubled their lead six minutes after the break when Son's corner was met by Kim's thumping header.
Son went down clutching his ankle after a meaty challenge from China's tattooed defender Zhang Linpeng late on.
But the 26-year-old appeared to suffer no lasting damage and was given a rousing reception when he trotted off three minutes from time.
TITLE DROUGHT
South Korea, who famously reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, have failed to win Asian football's most coveted prize since winning back-to-back titles in 1956 and 1960.
But the addition of the mercurial Son has clearly energised the 2015 runners-up, who suddenly look a very different proposition.
"We are very satisfied with the effort that Son made," said South Korea coach Paulo Bento, who is yet to learn the identity of his team's last-16 opponents.
"What's important in this moment is to enjoy this result and then go again."
China, Asian Cup finalists in 1984 and 2004, began the competition by edging Kyrgyzstan 2-1 and overpowering the Philippines 3-0.
But they were no match for South Korea and were lucky not to concede further goals in a lop-sided game.
"Let's be honest, the Korean team is much stronger than us - they're faster, technically superior and play with greater intensity," shrugged Lippi, whose side face Thailand in the last 16.
"They are one of the favourites to win the tournament - we have to accept that and focus on our next challenge."
Iran, themselves looking to end a 43-year title drought, fired blanks in Dubai but still topped Group D on goal difference from Iraq after thrashing Yemen 5-0 and beating Vietnam 2-0.
Elsewhere, a Vitalij Lux hat-trick sent Sven-Goran Eriksson's Philippines crashing out and Kyrgyzstan through from Group C as one of the best third-placed teams after a 3-1 victory.
The Filipino "street dogs" grabbed a late consolation through Stephan Schrock - their first-ever Asian Cup goal and one celebrated with gusto by their noisy fans.
Vietnam eased past war-torn Yemen 2-0 for their first points after a brilliant Nguyen Quang Hai free-kick and a penalty from Que Ngoc Hai.
SORRY Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri apologises to angry fans after humiliating 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth and listened to what the fans had to say. Real Madrid's Hazard talks collapse
Maurizio Sarri clings on to job after furious Chelsea fans
Football: Ronaldo fit for Juventus clash with Ajax in
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp denies their FA Cup exit has given them an advantage over Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Tottenham. Defeat to Wolves on Monday left the league
Bayern braced for Klopp reunion at Liverpool - sports.yahoo.com
West Ham leave it late to see off spirited Huddersfield March 16 (Reuters) - WEST HAM UNITED 4 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Huddersfield Town - London Stadium, London, Britain - March 16, 2019 West Ham's Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring their fourth goal with team mates Action Images
Football news - West Ham leave it late to see off spirited
PARMA, Italy (Reuters) - Fabio Quagliarella became Italy's oldest goalscorer as his double helped Roberto Mancini's rejuvenated side thrash 10-man Liechtenstein 6-0 in their second Euro 2020
Football: Veteran Quagliarella helps rejuvenated Italy thrash
Football: Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours
Liverpool ease past Bayern 3-1 to reach last eight their unbeaten run in Champions League last-16 matches to eight following a 1-0 loss at home to Barcelona in
Champions League: Liverpool ease past Bayern Munich 3-1 to
Get a report of the Cardiff City vs. Everton 2018/2019 English Premier League football match. Sigurdsson double, Calvert-Lewin help Everton sink Cardiff. Cardiff 0-3 Everton: Sigurdsson
Sigurdsson double helps Everton sink Cardiff - Football News
New kids strike for Azzurri. Spain wasteful but Enrique happy with chances created. Tite defends Brazil's poor display against Panama. Osaka blames complacency. Ferrer's 'special day' as he shocks
New York City with Kids - The 2019 Guide - Santorini Dave
Soccer: Parris and White strike to give England victory over Scotland Sunday, June 09, 2019 1:14 p.m. CDT Soccer Football - Women's World Cup - Group D - England v Scotland - Allianz Riviera, Nice, France - June 9, 2019 England's Ellen White cel
Parris and White strike to give England victory over Scotland
Cristiano Ronaldo headed a late equaliser to deny Torino their first win away to neighbours Juventus for 24 years as the two sides drew 1-1 in Serie A on Friday. Sasa Lukic stunned the recently
Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino - ewn.co.za
Pogba strikes twice as Man Utd win on Solskjaer home debut - FootyNews.co.uk Pogba strikes twice as Man Utd win on Solskjaer home debut - FootyNews.co.uk. Sign
Emery wary of Valencia's recovery potential in 2nd leg. Ex-Barca great Xavi to go into coaching. Landmark decision opens 'Pandora's box' premium. Semenya victimised, vilified for who she is.
Unai Emery insists Arsenal will attack Valencia in second leg
0 comments:
Post a Comment