S. Korea loses to Japan in Asian Cup semifinal

By Yoon Chul

South Korea lost to Japan at the end of penalty shootout in the Asian Cup semifinal, Wednesday (KST).

The two Asian football powerhouses, Korea and Japan drew 2-2 but Japan grabbed the 3-0 penalty shootout win in Doha, Qatar.

The first goal came from Korean side.

While captain Park Ji-sung tried to collect the long pass in the penalty box Japanese defender Yasuyuki Konno’s push called the ball to the spot and Ki Sung-yueng netted in 23rd minute for a 1-0 lead.

Japan, however, erased the Korea’s lead in 36th minute.

Yuto Nagamoto penetrated into the left corner and his pass linked to Ryoichi Maeda’s shoot for a 1-1.

As the winner wasn’t decided in 90 minutes the game was extended and Japan acquired the penalty chance in 97th.

Korean goal keeper Jung Sung-ryong blocked Keisuke Honda’s penalty shot but the dashed Hajime Hosogai scored for a 2-1 lead.

Korea, which seemed to end their run in the Asian Cup, tied the game thanks to defender Hwang Jae-won’s rifle in 120th minute, the last minute of extended game, but the Taeguk Warriors lost to in penalty shootout as Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima denied Koreans’ first two shots.