In the 2015 Asian Cup final, Australia had defeated South Korea by the same score in extra time to win their first Asian Cup; however, this time, the east Asian team won after scoring another goal in stoppage time to force extra time.

Son Heung-min's outstanding free kick proved to be the game-winning goal as South Korea defeated Australia 2-1 in extra time at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday to advance to the Asian Cup semi-finals.

In the 2015 Asian Cup final, Australia had defeated South Korea by the same score in extra time to win their first Asian Cup; however, this time, the east Asian team won after scoring another goal in stoppage time to force extra time.

"I wouldn't call it revenge, but it was painful back in 2015." Son, who had scored in the 2015 final loss, said, "That result helped me evolve as a player. It's part of sport.

After the Middle Eastern team defeated Tajikistan 1-0 earlier on Friday, South Korea will play Jordan in the first semifinal on Tuesday. In the group stage match against Jordan, South Korea scored a late equalizer to tie the score 2-2.

"It was undoubtedly another drama, which we are overjoyed to have experienced. We were prepared for a difficult battle with Australia. However, after going 120 minutes once more, South Korea coach Juergen Klinsmann expressed his pride in the team and their energy.

"Jordan is our opponent in the semifinal right now. It demonstrates the challenge our team faced having to play two opponents in the semifinals.

Just before the break, Australia had grabbed the lead thanks to a deft switch of flanks and skillful passes in the area. Nathaniel Atkinson's cross found Craig Goodwin, who had time to position himself for a volley into the bottom corner.

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When Mitchell Duke's volley from the rebound sailed over the bar, giving South Korea a respite, goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo made two stops to deny Martin Boyle, who could have made it 2-0.

TACTICAL CHANGE

After halftime, Klinsmann changed his tactics, pushing Son farther forward. It proved effective when Lewis Miller fouled the Tottenham Hotspur forward in the box in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan took a moment to gather himself before blasting his attempt into the upper corner to force extra time and give his team their fourth goal of the tournament after the ninetieth minute.
"Normally I'm the first to kick, but I was tired, and Hwang seemed willing to take the penalty, so I said okay." Son believes he has a fantastic chance to show why he is an important player.

Hwang won a free kick on the edge of the box after Miller again gave up a foul, sending South Korea into extra time for the second consecutive game after they defeated Saudi Arabia on penalties.

Son stepped up and saw his effort sail past the wall, beating Mathew Ryan in goal to find the net and spark wild celebrations with Klinsmann also letting out a roar with his arms raised.

After Aiden O'Neill was sent off for a foul on Hwang following a VAR review, Australia's chances to rally were severely hindered. Graham Arnold's team was left with 10 men for the second half of extra time, during which they were unable to equalize.

"The way we concluded the game was extremely painful and emotional for both the players and the staff. Before giving up the penalty, we performed really well for the first ninety minutes, according to Arnold.

"Players from South Korea are able to maintain a quick tempo while competing in elite leagues. They can run teams to the bone and ultimately punish us because they play for teams like Tottenham and Wolves.