Doha – Saudi Arabia was eliminated in the pre-quarters of the Asian Cup after conceding an injury-time equalizer to South Korea and losing in a shootout. South Korea will face Australia in the quarter finals. With a goal in the last seconds of regulation time, Korea extended its life into extra time (1-1). In the 9th minute of injury time, Cho Goo Sung returned the goal. Saudi took the lead in the thirty-fourth second after the break through Abdullah Radif, who came on as a substitute in the second half. Three times in the extra time, Saudi goalkeeper Ahmed Alkazar and Korean goalkeeper Hang Won Cho made brilliant saves in the last period to equalize the score.
Sami Alnajai and Abdurrahman Gharib’s kicks were saved by the Korean goalie in the shootout. Saudi’s Muhammad Kanu, Saud Abdulhamid, Korea’s Son Hyung Min, Oh Hyeong Gyu, Jo Kyo Song and Hwang Hee Chan scored (4-2).
After conceding a goal, Korea made every effort to fight back, but the Saudi defense and the second goalie Ahmed Alkazar stood firm until the last minutes and Alkazar saved the team many times. The cross bar also blocked Korea in injury time. Saudi also created a few chances on the counter-attack. A drive by Radif left the box and was saved by the Korean goalie. Korea have not been Asian Cup champions since 1964.
Abdullah Radif scored in the first minute of the second half. Radif, who came on as a substitute after the break for Salih Alshahari, broke through the defense from the kickoff and ran into the box to beat the goalie.
Both teams went scoreless in the first half. Shortly before the break, the cross bar was blocked twice in a row for Saudi. First, Salih Alshahari’s header skimmed the crossbar. The rebound was deflected by Ali Aljami and hit the crossbar. The Korean defense was in jeopardy when Saudi tried for the third time and conceded a corner.
2024-01-30 19:02:35
#Saudi #shootout #KoreaAustralia #quarter
