Koreans Deny Aussies Top Spot – From The Stands Asian Cup – Day 9 Review
It was a hot and humid night and the moths were out in full force at Brisbane Stadium as the stage was set for the final match of the group stages for group a’s Australia and Korea Republic.
Both teams donned their away jerseys and it was reported that this was simply as a result of a decision made by the AFC.
The Socceroos’ knew what needed to be done in order for them to secure a spot at the top of group a at the conclusion of the group stages, at minimum a draw was needed and a win would have been desirable but it wasn’t to be.
One goal separated the teams as Korea opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a strike from the foot of Jung-Hyub Lee inside the penalty box.
Socceroos’ coach Ange Postecoglou continued to rotate players as had been the case in Australia’s first two matches of the Asian Cup against Kuwait and Oman. Four changes had been made to the Socceroos’ side which beat Oman while six changes had been made to the Korean side which beat Kuwait in their second group match.
Korea started the game quickly and maintained control early in the match and it wasn’t until around the 15 minute mark of the match where Australia began to settle into the match.
The Korean Republic goal which in the end separated the teams came at a point where the Korean team only had 10 players on the pitch with Jung-Hyub Lee off receiving treatment after a collusion with Nathan Burns.
In the end it was the Socceroos’ who finished with more shots on goal but unfortunately these shots lacked the final touch none were able to find the back of the net to provide Australia with the goal they needed to equalise or win and top the group.
Mathew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and Tim Cahill were brought on as the second half progressed as Australia looked to put one past Korean keeper Kim Jin Hyeon and Robbie Kruse almost did just that in late stages of the match.
This result means Australia finish second in Group A and will stay in Brisbane and meet China PR at Brisbane Stadium on Thursday evening while Korea Republic will travel to Melbourne to face the winner of today’s clash between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia also on Thursday.
Kuwait and Oman also met on day nine of the Asian Cup at Newcastle Stadium better known as Hunter Stadium.
This was to be the last game of the tournament for both sides based on the results of their first two matches.
It was deemed as a match of ‘dead rubber’ as there was nothing to play for in that neither team could progress but after all the three points were still on offer.
Kuwait finished with 17 shots on goal compared with just six from Oman but securing just one of those chances was enough to earn them the three points, and their first win of the tournament.
The goal came in the 69th minute as Omani number nine Abdul Aziz Al – Maqbali’ header found the back of the net.
Australia vs. Korea Republic
0-1
Goals: Korea Republic: Lee Jeonghyeop (32′)
Attendance: 48,513
On a warm night in Brisbane quite an impressive crowd gathered to witness the two qualifying teams from group A, Australia and Korea Republic. Will Australia be able to top this crowd in their quarter final which will again be held at Brisbane stadium?
FTS Man of the Match: Ki Sung Yueng
Oman vs. Kuwait
1-0
Goals: Oman: Abdul Aziz Al – Maqbali’ (69′)
Attendance: 7,499
Not a massive crowd but a fair crowd turned out watch Oman and Kuwait whose tournament fate had already been decided, especially considering most neutrals would be at home or elsewhere watching the Australia game.
Man of the Match: Mohsin Al Kaldi
Team Played Points Goal Difference
South Korea 3 9 +3
Australia 3 6 +6
Oman 3 3 -4
Kuwait 3 0 -5
Asian Cup 2015 Attendance Running Total: 315,082
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