Korea Republic 1st team in final match of AFC Asian Cup
Sydney (IraqiNews.com) Korea Republic are the first team through to the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015final after they defeated Iraq 2-0 on a wet night inSydney.
Lee Jeong-hyeop opened the scoring on 20 minutes before Kim Young-gwon sealed the victory for Uli Stielike’s men in the 70th minute. The Taeguk Warriors will face the winner of Tuesday night’s second semi-final between hosts Australia and the UAE in Newcastle.
Korea Republic are still yet to concede a goal at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. They’ve so far defeated Oman 1-0, Kuwait 1-0, Australia 1-0, Uzbekistan 2-0 (aet) and Iraq (2-0).
The win ensured Korea Republic reached their first AFC Asian Cup final since 1988. They will now look to win their first continental title since 1960.
Despite going into the match with three more yellow cards than any other side, not one Iraqi player received a yellow card in the wet conditions in Sydney. They did however commit 19 fouls to Korea Republic’s 7 in the match.
Korea Republic dominated possession in the first half with 65.8% of the ball, while Iraq took control in the second half with 59.6% of the ball. The overall possession finished 53.1% – 46.9% in Korea Republic’s favor.
Korea Republic kept up their tournament leading shooting accuracy putting 7 of their 9 attempts on target. Iraq had only 2shots on target with another 6missing the mark.
Lee Jeong-hyeop scored his second goal of the tournament, and his international career,for Korea Republic. The 23-year-old debuted for Korea Republic in his side’s AFC Asian Cup opener against Oman and has played a part in every match since. /End/