Asian Cup 2015: Oman-South Korea, Uzbekistan-North Korea, Saudi Arabia-China on day two

UP FOR THE CUP: three 1-0 results see South Korea, Uzbekistan and China prevail but uncannily similar last-second heroics decided two games.

SOUTH Korea, Uzbekistan and China joined Australia on three points as the Asian Cup got into full swing on Saturday night.

While all three sides deserved the win, there was an uncanny similarity in two of the games with Uzbekistan and South Korea’s goalkeepers pulling off clutch goal-line saves with almost the final touch of their respective games to ensure the victory for their countries.

South Korea showed patches of free-flowing football in Canberra against Oman. There was enough to give Ange Postecoglou something to think about, but their finishing let them down terribly. Oman’s esteemed goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi had plenty to do with that, but it was Jin-Hyeon Kim, his rival, who spared South Korea’s blushes when he showed tremendous reflexes to parry away Amad Al Hosni’s 92nd-minute effort.

Although North Korea had hardly tested Uzbek custodian Ignatiy Nesterov, he performed similar heroics seconds before the final whistle, denying North Korea’s Kwang Ryong Pak.

WATCH BOTH MOMENTS IN THE VIDEO AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE

DAY TWO RE-CAP

MATCH REPORT: SOUTH KOREA SEND SOCCEROOS WARNING

After a nervy opening, South Korea’s clash with Oman in Canberra had a decent tempo to it, with the former dominating proceedings and showing glimpses of enterprise, particularly down the flanks. But they’ll need to develop more gumption and assertiveness in the final third if they want to do anything in this tournament. Oman showed they’re at a level a tad above the Kuwaitis and as mentioned above, almost nicked the game right at the death. Paul Le Guen was furious his side didn’t have a first-half penalty, but overall, South Korea were worth the three points.

MATCH REPORT: UZBEKISTAN PREVAILS IN SYDNEY DELUGE

A humid day in Sydney turned into a wet and windy night at Stadium Australia and it had an impact on a match that struggled to ignite. Before the deluge, Uzbekistan displayed some fluent combination football but as their frustration grew at North Korea’s containing tactics, their option taking in possession became one dimensional. It would take a moment of quality to prevail and it came from a delightful ball from Server Djeparov, which was glided home by Igor Sergeev.

MATCH REPORT: CHINA EDGE OUT SAUDI ARABIA

This was another match defined by goalkeeping heroics as China’s stopper Wang Dalei stood tall from the penalty spot and denied Naif Hazazi. It would have been a goal against the run of play in Brisbane, and when China opened the scoring with a deflected free-kick in the 81st minute, it was enough to give them a vital three points to take control of Group B with Uzbekistan.

SOCCEROOS WATCH

Major talking points:

* Captain Mile Jedinak is an injury doubt for the Socceroos’ Tuesday night clash with Oman.

On @FOXSportsNews from 2pm we'll have @Socceroos arrival in Sydney with skipper Jedinak in a moon boot. Also hear from Luongo, Troisi & Ryan

— Richard Bayliss (@RichBaylissFOX) January 10, 2015

* Massimo Luongo’s performance puts him in the shop window for a move away from Swindon.

IT’S MONSOONAL!

Uzbekistan and North Korea wouldn’t have expected the crazy conditions in Sydney for their Asian Cup clash.

“It’s monsoonal”, “it’s a tempest”, “it’s apocalyptic” was how Fox Sports’ commentators Simon Hill and Andy Harper exclaimed during the clash.

Still, there were some terrific crowds for the opening night of non-Socceroos action, with the 12k mark notched at all three matches.

South Korean supporters cheer their team.

Yu Hai of China celebrates in front of a healthy contingent of Chinese fans.

SOCIAL WATCH

China's goal keeper Wang Dalei is one of the best GK I've ever played with or against....World Class GK! China lacking cutting edge #AC2015

— Ryan McGowan (@rmcgowan89) January 10, 2015

North Korea warm up in Sydney. They lead 2-0 in Pyongyang. #19HoursofFOX pic.twitter.com/NQlA2n9mi4

— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) January 10, 2015

Get in! Sensational delivery from Djeparov, brilliant finish Sergeev. Go the White Wolves! #UZBvPRK

— Ned Zelic (@NedZelic) January 10, 2015

Oman playing some crisp two touch play in attacking half. Sth Korea taking too many touches allowing Oman to get into shape. #AsianCup2015

— Mark Rudan (@MarkRudan) January 10, 2015

Both teams better than Kuwait. Bigger tests coming up for Socceroos #AsianCup2015

— Mark Rudan (@MarkRudan) January 10, 2015

What a city! Excited to be back. Looking forward to Tuesday now pic.twitter.com/PAS54DB8u2

— Massimo Luongo (@MassLuongo) January 10, 2015

Great to be back in Sydney. After last nights win can't wait for Tuesday! #Socceroos #AsianCup pic.twitter.com/DYfj3Zz4gD

— Alex Wilkinson (@alexwilkinson84) January 10, 2015

Smack bang in between 2 Aussie Landmarks #CahillExpressWay @TC4Academy #TimCahillAsianCup 👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/jORHejUX91

— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) January 10, 2015

Thanks to Melbourne for the amazing atmosphere last night! Let's see if Sydney can produce the goods! #Socceroos #justlanded

— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) January 10, 2015

TODAY’S HEADLINE: PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1 RULED OUT FOR DURATION

SAUDI Arabia’s Asian Cup hopes have been dealt a severe blow, with star attacker Nasser Al-Shamrani ruled out of the tournament.

The Asian Football Confederation player of the year had been in doubt his side’s Group B clash against China on Saturday nightt at Suncorp Stadium due to an abdominal injury he suffered in Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 friendly loss to South Korea earlier this week.

FULL STORY

SUNDAY PREVIEW - By Matt Windley, Herald Sun

GROUP C

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES v QATAR

6pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

TAB odds: UAE $2.75, Draw $2.90, Qatar $2.75

THE PLOT

Group C’s first match is also potentially its most crucial. The bookies can’t separate the two teams for this game and pundits are split as to who will advance out of the group. The UAE is on the verge of something special, with a golden generation of youngsters that went to the London 2012 Olympics together coming through. Qatar, meanwhile, was a shock winner of the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations, so come in with momentum.

KEY PLAYERS

UAE

Playmaker Omar Abdulrahman may only be 23, but many are tipping him to potentially win the Player of the Tournament award here.

QATAR

Look for winger Khalfan Ibrahim to impress with his skill and speed for Al Anabi. A constant threat out wide.

IRAN v BAHRAIN

8pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

TAB odds: Iran $1.67, Draw $3.40, Bahrain $5.50

THE PLOT

Iran, arguably Asia’s most impressive performer at the 2014 World Cup, comes to the Asian Cup as one of the tournament’s favourites despite coach Carlos Queiroz bemoaning a poor preparation that has lacked training camps and provided only two friendly games since Brazil. On paper Bahrain is Group C’s weak link, but has proven over time to be tough to break down.

KEY PLAYERS

IRAN

Forward Sardar Azmoun is considered to be the next big thing of Iranian football. Dubbed the ‘Iranian Messi’, the 20-year-old was subject of interest from English giant Arsenal last year.

BAHRAIN

Star striker Ismail Abdul-Latif comes to the Asian Cup in strong form having scored twice in Bahrain’s 4-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia in Geelong last month.

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Oman-South Korea, Uzbekistan-North Korea, Saudi Arabia-China on day two