Son Heung-min deliberately earned a penalty against Australia

Qatar captain Son Heung-min admitted to proactively earning a penalty in the second half's injury time, helping South Korea escape defeat against Australia in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.

South Korea trailed 0-1 to Australia in the 42nd minute and were unable to find an equalizer in the second half of the match at Al Janoub Stadium on the evening of February 2. Son admitted that South Korea had many difficulties against the opponent's defense. Therefore, he felt responsible for helping his teammates overcome, and considered a penalty as a solution in extra time.

"I moved into the box more," Son said after the match. "I aimed for dangerous fouls from the opponent to try to make a difference."

Son Heung-min (red shirt) was tackled by Lewis Miller in the penalty area in the fourth minute of injury time in the second half of South Korea's 2-1 win over Australia in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: AP

In the fourth minute of injury time in the second half, Son dribbled cleverly in the penalty area and was fouled by Lewis Miller, leading to a penalty. The captain revealed that he always takes penalties for South Korea, but gave it to Hwang Hee-chan when his teammate confidently approached him to take the kick.

"I don't care who takes the penalty, I just want the team to score," Son explained. On the 11m mark later, Hwang Hee-chan calmly beat Mathew Ryan to equalize for Korea.

In extra time, South Korea continued to press, and were awarded a free kick from 20 meters away on the left wing, after Hwang Hee-chan was fouled in the 104th minute. Two of South Korea's free kick specialists, Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, were both in front of the ball. Finally, Son curled the ball with his right foot, sending it over the wall and into the near post, making it 2-1.

"Lee Kang-in and I talked a lot about the situation, about who would do it," Son said. "I think we made the right choice."

South Korea then had the advantage of playing with an extra man when Aiden O'Neill was sent off for a dangerous foul on Hwang Hee-chan late in the first period of extra time. Son's team won 2-1 after 120 minutes, continuing a difficult run after drawing 3-3 with Malaysia in the final group stage match and beating Saudi Arabia on penalties in the round of 16.

"I didn't expect this kind of victory, but it boosted the team's morale," Son added. "I was impressed by the sacrifice and dedication of all the players. We fought for one trophy, no excuses or complaints."

Son Heung-min saves South Korea in extra time of Asian Cup quarter-finals

Key developments of the match between South Korea and Australia in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.

The victory over Australia not only helped Son and South Korea pay off the debt of losing in the 2015 Asian Cup final, but also set a record. The striker born in 1992 reached the milestone of 17 matches and became the Korean player who played the most matches at the Asian Cup, surpassing Lee Young-pyo - a former defender who had 16 matches. He also ranked second in the list of goalscorers at the top tournament of the continent, with seven goals, equal to Choi Soon-ho and three goals behind Lee Dong-guk.

South Korea have three days to prepare for their semi-final against Jordan, who beat Tajikistan 1-0 in the quarter-finals, on February 6. The two teams drew 2-2 when they met in the second round of Group E on January 20.

Hieu Luong

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