OSAKA: Reigning champions South Korea scored eight minutes from time to defeat China 2-1 on Wednesday and book their place in the Asian Games men’s football final.
Bae Jun-ho emerged as South Korea’s hero at Nagai Stadium, arriving at the back post to head home the decisive goal in the 82nd minute.
The Koreans will face either hosts Japan or Uzbekistan in Saturday’s gold-medal match as they seek an impressive fourth consecutive Asian Games title.
“We were expecting a challenging match but we persevered,” South Korea coach Lee Min-sung said.
“We conceded first to make it even harder, but our team fought back, and I’m happy with that.”
China, who have never won the Asian Games men’s football gold medal, were appearing in their first semi-final since 1998 and made a promising start.
Wang Yudong put China ahead in the 22nd minute, finishing an impressive team move with a powerful strike.
South Korea responded just 11 minutes later through Lee Young-jun. China goalkeeper Li Hao managed to get a hand to his header but was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
With the scores level at 1-1, both teams created opportunities during an open second half before Stoke City’s Bae delivered the decisive blow.
His late header ended China’s hopes of reaching the final and kept South Korea on course for another Asian Games football crown.
China coach Antonio Puche said he remained proud of his players despite the disappointment and will now prepare his side for the bronze-medal match.
“I spoke with the players and what I said is that even though we lost, the important thing was that we fought,” Puche said.
“We lost, but we are proud.”
Meanwhile, North Korea will take on Japan in the Asian Games women’s football final.
