Asian Cup final: re-live the key moments in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup win over South Korea

VIDEO: look back at the vital moments that delivered Australia the country’s first major international trophy on a pulsating night of action.

Korea Republic v Australia - 2015 Asian Cup: Final

AUSTRALIA are the champions of Asia after the most extraordinary final in Sydney.

The 2-1 win was a gripping encounter, decided by James Troisi’s extra-time goal.

Here are the moments that mattered.

VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos’ classic win

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

PLAYER RATINGS: who starred, who struggled?

ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.

ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.

REACTION: Hear from all the key player

NERVOUS THIRTIES

38th minute

The Socceroos managed to absorb a tense period of sustained pressure just before they snatched the lead. Massimo Luongo - in the action again - made a brilliant, sliding tackle on Son Heung-min in the box and managed to get enough on the ball to deflect his shot inches over the woodwork. That chance came just moments after Son, again, missed a superb volley after some silky work down the left flank by the South Koreans.

Massimo Luongo with decisive work down his own end, first.

MASS HYSTERIA

45th minute

Against the run of play Massimo Luongo, one of the absolute stars of the tournament, gave the Socceroos the lead with a sensational strike. With his back to goal, the Swindon Town man (for now, at least) turned, shot and powered the ball into the back of the net with a low drive. Cue mass hysteria at Stadium Australia. The pass from Trent Sainsbury, another stand-out player, was excellent too. The future of Australian football right there, and it looks pretty good.

DECIBEL LEVELS

For 90 minutes

It started when Sepp Blatter received a hearty round of boos just before kick-off and the noise didn’t let up for a minute after that. The South Korean fans were magnificent from start to finish - they hardly skipped a beat even when their team went a goal down. After coming from the library-like atmosphere in Newcastle, it might have taken the Socceroos a bit of time to adjust to the constant noise. When Luongo gave the Socceroos the lead the noise was deafening.

CAHILL OFF

64th minute

The man for the big occasion, Tim Cahill was forced off the field in the 64th minute. He quickly had his foot attended to on the bench after appearing to take a knock during the first half. Cahill walked off to a rousing reception and warmly embraced Tomi Juric, who came on to replace him and would go on to play a major role in the winning goal. Australia will be hoping that’s not the last they see of Cahill in the national colours.

THE EQUALISER

91st minute

It should have been the final whistle, instead the 90th minute brought an equaliser for South Korea. Son Hueng-min finally found his shooting boots and cooly beat Mat Ryan in a one-on-situation. After prolonged periods of pressure, and wonderful football for most of the game, it was a deserved goal, but it broke hearts around Australia.

THE WINNER

106th minute

The two substitutes, Tomi Juric and James Troisi, combined to give the Socceroos the match-winning goal. Juric, who has a habit of making an impact when he comes off the bench, showed enormous strength and perseverance to hold off several defenders right on the edge of the box. He then squeezed the ball through to the oncoming Troisi, who simply couldn’t miss from such close range. What a moment.

THE FINAL WHISTLE

120th minute

It may not have come in the 90th minute, but the final whistle finally sounded after 120 minutes - and what a glorious sound it was. The crowd roared, the players dropped to their knees - Australia, Champions of Asia.

Originally published as Asian Cup final: re-live the key moments in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup win over South Korea