NewsBite

South Korea v Iraq: coverage of the Asian Cup semi-final in Sydney

SOUTH Korea await either the Socceroos or United Arab Emirates in Saturday’s Asian Cup final after sinking gallant Iraq 2-0 in soggy Sydney.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Han Kyo Won of Korea Republic attempts a shot on goal during the Asian Cup Semi Final match between Korea Republic and Iraq at ANZ Stadium on January 26, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Han Kyo Won of Korea Republic attempts a shot on goal during the Asian Cup Semi Final match between Korea Republic and Iraq at ANZ Stadium on January 26, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

AUSTRALIA or United Arab Emirates will face South Korea in the Asian Cup final on Saturday night after South Korea beat Iraq 2-0 in the first semi-final in Sydney.

Goals in either half from Jeong-Hyeop Lee and Young-Gwon Kim snared South Korea a spot in their first Asian Cup final since 1988, while another clean sheet ensures Uli Stielike’s side are yet to concede in the tournament.

MATCH REPORT: SOUTH KOREA END 27-YEAR WAIT

Iraq enjoyed plenty more ball in the second-half as they tried to forge an opening, but a lack of quality in the final third plus a well organised and hard-working defence ensured there would be no repeat of the Lions of Mesopotamia’s 2007 fairytale run to the final.

Re-live how the night unfolded in our live blog of the action below.

MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, comprehensive video highlights

Originally published as South Korea v Iraq: coverage of the Asian Cup semi-final in Sydney

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup/south-korea-v-iraq-coverage-of-the-asian-cup-semifinal-in-sydney/news-story/3aa373abd097c07392c33f026f612b2e