South Korea v Oman, Asian Cup 2015: Cho Youngcheol goal enough to seal victory in Canberra
KOREA Republic issued its Group A adversaries a timely Asian Cup warning after taming Oman 1-0 on a wet Canberra Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Asian Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Asian Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
KOREA Republic issued its Group A adversaries a timely Asian Cup warning after taming Oman 1-0 on a wet Canberra Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
While the Socceroos still head Group A after belting Kuwait 4-1 in Melbourne on Friday, Korea Republic should have had a hatful of goals after having five shots on target compared to Oman’s one.
Cho Youngcheol became Korea Republic’s hero when he scored in first half stoppage time after stinging Oman with a blistering counter attack.
But Oman was no push over.
It showed the Socceroos who face them on Tuesday at Stadium Australia that it has a fighting spirit and resilience which was only shattered by poor finishing.
MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO, STATS, PLAY-BY-PLAY, LINE-UPS
It was evident especially in the second half when Abdul Aziz was granted a chance to equalise 14 minutes from time but his first touch with goal beckoning was horrendous.
The clash also had another interesting twist before kick off with the 30C forecast temperature not to be seen as rain pelted the stadium before slowing to showers which suited Korea Republic.
But the victory came at a cost for Korea Republic when right back Kim Changsoo and Lee Chungyong had to be replaced after suffering from injuries in a clash which endured feisty tackles.
Korea Republic had to settle for the narrow win after Cho Youngcheol smacked in a rebound from Koo Ja-Cheol’s 25m shot.
Oman keeper and skipper Ali Alhabsi managed to parry the rocket but only into the outstretched legs of the striker to give Korea Republic a perfect start to the Asian Cup.
But it was a deserved lead for Korea Republic after Wigan’s gloveman Alhabsi was called to make two crucial saves within three minutes after the 43rd minute.
His first block was spectacular as he flung his body across the width of the goal after one of his teammates Jaber’s back header was destined to drift into the back of the net.
Korea Republic’s lively forward Son Heungmin forced Alhabsi into another flying save from a 25m drive in the 44th minute.
But after Korea Republic’s had Alhabsi at full stretch in the sixth minute mark and Son Heungmin clipped the crossbar with a neat chip Oman had a legitimate claim for a penalty a minute later.
Oman’s Qasim’s leg appeared to be clipped by Kim Juyoung inside the box after a super ball from Raed but Peter O’Leary – a New Zealand A-League referee from outside the Asian Football Confederation - shied away from any signalling in the 16th minute.
Two minutes later Korea Republic lost Kim Jinsu to what appeared to be a quad injury before Oman started to trouble the favourites outside the box but failed to test gloveman Kim Jinhyeon.
But in the 32nd minute Abdul Aziz surprisingly became the first player to earn a caution after meaty challenges reigned on a quick turf.
Korea Republic’s Koo Jacheol also gave O’Leary something to think about when he hit the deck inside his attacking box too easily before Park Jooho was lucky to escape without warning after a mistimed challenge on Abdul Aziz.
But after Oman was searching for an equaliser in the second half by forcing Korea Republic to retreat higher up the park the match reached a low point when defender Raed was forced to receive treatment after copping a blow to the throat in the 54th minute.
The match then descended into Oman trying to salvage the game while Korea Republic was trying to counter with lightning raids but poor finishing kept the scoreline respectable.
Oman nonetheless had a great chance to level the tie in the 62nd minute before defender Jang Hyunsoo cleared the danger with a timely clearance in the edge of his own six yard box.
Asian Cup 2015 - Group A match
Korea Republic 1 (Cho Youngcheol 46m) Oman 0 at Canberra Stadium - Referee: Peter O’Leary (New Zealand) - Crowd: 12,552
Originally published as South Korea v Oman, Asian Cup 2015: Cho Youngcheol goal enough to seal victory in Canberra
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.