Qatar stun S. Korea as Asian Cup last four confirmed

World
Europe

Asian Cup hosts UAE and Gulf rivals Qatar pulled off titanic upsets as they sent defending champions Australia and Son Heung-min's S. Korea crashing out in the quarter-finals on Friday.

The S. Koreans were looking to end 59 years of hurt in the tournament but paid for missing a string of second-half chances in Abu Dhabi before Abdelaziz Hatim's late hammer blow for the 2022 World Cup hosts.

Told his players had secretly visited the local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant after beating Iraq in the last 16, Qatar manager Sanchez was momentarily lost for words.

"I had no idea," blushed the Spaniard. "Today they can go to Kentucky if they want – for an hour. What the players did is amazing for the country, I'm very proud of them.

"There are some big emotions today, but it's no miracle," insisted Sanchez, whose side face the United Arab Emirates in the last four after the host nation beat holders Australia 1-0 in Ai-Ain.

"We deserve to be in the semis. I feel like the happiest coach in the world – it's a big step forward."

S. Korea took until three minutes into the second half to even register a shot on target, Hwang Ui-jo forcing a save from Saad Al-Sheeb from the edge of the box.

Lee Chung-yong then blazed wide, talismanic captain Son Heung-min went close and Kim Jin-su's free kick smacked against the post.

That wastefulness came back to haunt the Koreans when Hatim smashed a long-range rocket past Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu after 78 minutes to give Qatar a famous victory.

Hwang thought he had equalized two minutes later, only to be given offside – a decision upheld by the video assistant referee.

Abdel Aziz Hatim (2nd L) of Qatar celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Cup quarter-final match between S. Korea and Qatar at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, January 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

The Qataris, who have faced constant abuse from Asian Cup crowds over the Gulf blockade of the tiny, energy-rich state, sobbed tears of delight at the final whistle before stripping to the waist and dancing for joy.

S. Korea's shell-shocked players could scarcely believe the manner of their ambush as they departed before the semi-finals for the first time since 2004.

"It's a reminder to us that there are no teams in Asia we can take lightly," said Son, set to return to English Premier League side Tottenham earlier than scheduled after his country's shock exit.

"I know many people expected big things of us. I'm so upset that I haven't been able to produce my best."

They had looked in total control, comfortably shackling Sudan-born striker Almoez Ali, who needs one more goal to equal Ali Daei's record of eight in a single Asian Cup.

But the Koreans, who finished runners-up four years ago, lacked an end product even before the fatal breakdown that allowed Hatim to wriggle free and try his luck from distance.

"We didn't create too many opportunities but we created more than them," shrugged S. Korea coach Paulo Bento.

"We hit the post, had the clearer chances. But we weren't as productive as we normally are and it's true that we made some easy mistakes."

S. Korea are knocked out by Qatar, January 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Graham Arnold's Australia will feel aggrieved by their defeat after peppering the UAE with 22 shots, only to be undone by Degenek's defensive error on 68 minutes.

Degenek, who this week signed for Saudi giants Al Hilal, rolled a casual ball to Mat Ryan but Mabkhout nipped in and rounded the Brighton 'keeper to score into an empty net.

"Football can be a cruel sport," said a rueful Arnold, backing the 24-year-old central defender to bounce back.

"Obviously he's hurting at the moment but I'll make sure that he's okay. He's a fantastic kid, fantastic professional and he's got a long future with the Australian national team."

Semi-finals:

Iran vs. Japan

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, 18:00, January 28

Japan and Iran, with seven Asian Cup titles between them, will play the other semi for a place in the final in Abu Dhabi on February 1.

Four-time champions Japan have lifted the trophy in 2000, 2004 and 2011 after breaking through for the maiden crown in 1992, while three-time winners Iran haven't held the crown since 1976.

Qatar vs. UAE

Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, 18:00, January 29

Qatar and UAE have previously met four times with each winning twice. In their last meeting, the United Arab Emirates thrash Qatar 4-1 in their opening match of the 2015 Asian Cup in Canberra with two goals each from Ahmed Khalil and Ali Mabkhout.

Source(s): AFP