Asian Cup final: Socceroos crowned Asian champions after beating Korea Republic 2-1 in extra time
THE Socceroos are the champions of Asia, goals to Massimo Luongo and James Troisi sealing a famous extra time victory against Korea Republic in Sydney.
Asian Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Asian Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ON the site where Australia found so much Olympic glory, the Socceroos have struck gold of their own.
Ange Postecoglou’s team wakes this morning as the champions of Asia, a title secured by Massimo Luongo’s inspired 44th minute strike and an extra time winner from James Troisi. On the back foot for much of the game, and clinging to their lead towards the end, the Socceroos cast aside the agony of a last-minute equaliser for Son Heung Min to come back and win it again.
Less than a decade after joining the Asian confederation, and at their third attempt, this nascent team’s name is etched into sporting history, with Luongo and Troisi cast as the heroes.
It was by turns enthralling and - for the home support - terrifying from the very start, with South Korea prepared to surprise their hosts by charging on to the front foot. As early as the second minute Son Heung Min, Robbie Kruse’s teammate at Bayer Leverkeusen, began a surging run into the heart of Australian territory, shooting over to widespread relief.
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
Son could, and really should, have had at least one goal by half-time as Korea created some wonderful chances. Kim Jin Su’s cross on 36 minutes found Son on the penalty spot, alone to volley a fraction wide; then a minute later Cha Du Ri’s run and cutback allowed him to shoot and only Luongo’s deflection saved Australia.
With Kwak Taehwi also heading wide when superbly placed from a freekick, and Ki Seung Yung fluffing a freekick on the edge of the box after Jason Davidson’s sly foul, the Koreans could have felt baffled at losing by half-time.
Australia were nervous, epitomised by Ivan Franjic’s silly foul in the fifth minute to earn a yellow card. Mile Jedinak’s freekick, struck just too high, and a Tim Cahill snapshot well saved by Kim Jin Su, were the extent of the real threats to the Korean goal in the first half. Well, until Luongo produced a rabbit from a hat like a master magician.
Trent Sainsbury deserved credit too, his slide rule pass from halfway finding Luongo, back to goal and 25m out. His first touch turned his man, and his second sent a low shot arrowing into the bottom corner. It was an outstanding moment from a talented young footballer, delivered on a stage as big as this.
Korea were stung, and for the first five minutes of the second half were camped around the Socceroos box, the Australian defence excruciatingly deep. Time and again the Koreans targeted Franjic, teetering on the yellow card of his early booking.
Nam Tae Hee was crudely up-ended by Spiranovic, earning the defender a yellow card, and from the freekick Kwak headed straight at Ryan. Australia swept upfield and Leckie let fly with a stinging shot that Kim Jin Hyeon tipped away.
The workload of a whole tournament prompted Cahill’s withdrawal with an hour gone, Tomi Juric coming on to lead the line. Jedinak became the fourth Australian booked, then Kruse made it five, rather harshly for time-wasting as he received treatment - and was then stretchered off.
It was Kruse’s last contribution, a twisted ankle quickly forcing his replacement by James Troisi. Then Franjic pulled up lame, with Matt McKay thrown into the fray as Australia desperately tried to hold on. But injury time, finally they cracked, as Lee Jeonghyeop slipped Son into the box, and his crashing shot beat Ryan at his near post.
Extra time became unbearable for both times, the weariness so evident. Son’s dribble and cross caused panic, with Ryan fingertipping the ball away, then Juric headed wide from Davidson’s cross. Then seconds before the extra time break, Juric’s sheer power broke through the Korean ranks on the right, and his low cross was lashed home by Troisi.
Originally published as Asian Cup final: Socceroos crowned Asian champions after beating Korea Republic 2-1 in extra time
Fowler keen to clear the air on Paris flop
Accusations of “pampering” were thrown at the Matildas following their disappointing exit at the Paris Olympic Games.
Huge concerns for new AFC Women’s Champions League
It hasn’t kicked off yet but FIFPRO Asia have serious concerns about the financial strain the AFC Women’s Champions League will have on clubs, athletes’ welfare and disruptions to domestic competitions.