Disappointing Korea downed by Qatar
South Korea's forward Son Heung-Min, left, tackles Qatar's defender Pedro Miguel Correia during the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Korea Republic and Qatar at the Zayed Sport City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Friday. South Korea lost 0-1. AP-Yonhap
By John Duerden
South Korea exited the 2019 Asian Cup on Friday evening in Abu Dhabi losing 1-0 to Qatar thanks to a second half goal from Abdelaziz Hazim in the second half of this quarter final clash.
It was a disappointing end to the tournament for the Koreans who have not lifted the trophy since 1960. The Taegeuk Warriors worked hard from the beginning in the United Arab Emirates but just could not get the all important goal against Qatar.
Son Heung-min was unable to make a difference in a tough game and will return to Tottenham and the English Premier League.
Before the tournament started, South Korea would have been seen as strong favorites to defeat Qatar, a young team that is building for the 2022 World Cup that it will host. yet Qatar had been, along with iran, the best team of the Asian Cup so far with the Taegeuk Warriors not exactly impressing on their run to the last eight. Add the fact that Korea needed extra-time to defeat Bahrain three days earlier and had looked sluggish, there was some cause for concern.
Injuries to star midfielders Ki Sung-yueng and Lee Jae-sung did not add to the optimism but the hope was that, unlike the teams that Korea had faced so far that Qatar would not sit back quite so much. The East Asian team often struggles against well-organized and defensive opponents as was seen against the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan and in Tuesday's extra-time win over Bahrain.
Korea was on top for most of the game but then with 11 minutes remaining, Qatar took a surprise lead with 12 minutes remaining. Abdelaziz Hazim fired a low shot from outside the area and the ball went just outside the goalkeeper's hand.
Korea worked hard to try and get the equalizing goal but were unable to do so. There were all kinds of attacks and pressure against the Middle Eastern team but Qatar kept the East Asians out and ended up winning 1-0.
In the end it was Qatar that went to the last four to play either Australia or United Arab Emirates in the semi final.