Asian Cup 2023 quarter-final schedule
18:30 February 2: Tajikistan - Jordan
22:30 February 2: Australia - Korea
18:30 February 3: Iran - Japan
22:30 February 3: Qatar - Uzbekistan
"I hope to reach the final after this victory," striker Son Heung Min shared after the South Korean team's dramatic victory over Saudi Arabia in the round of 16 on January 30.
Despite being rated higher, the Korean team unexpectedly conceded a goal early in the second half and had to wait until the 90+9 minute of extra time to find an equalizer. After two goalless extra periods, both teams had to decide the winner by a risky penalty shootout.
The South Korean team celebrates after winning against Saudi Arabia in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout (Photo: Chosun).
Fortunately for the Korean team, goalkeeper Jo Hyeon Woo brilliantly saved two penalty kicks from Saudi Arabia to help the home team win 4-2 in the penalty shootout, thereby winning a ticket to the quarter-finals to meet Australia.
"Players always need the support of the fans to have the strength to compete on the field. Yesterday was a typical example. Even in difficult situations, the players showed the value of working hard every day. I want to make many fans smile.
I hope everyone will look at our victory positively. There is not much time left until the final. I hope the whole team can focus on the only goal of winning.
As the coach said, I hope you will re-evaluate the process after the tournament ends. I am happy that my teammates went through difficult times, but still achieved their goals well," Son Heung Min expressed.
In particular, talking about the victory in the penalty shootout in which Son Heung Min led the first kick, the Tottenham star said: "It was the result of training. I stayed after training and practiced a lot of penalty kicks. I tried not to be shaken.
I told the players to just focus on the direction they wanted to kick, not to worry about the boos or the atmosphere on the pitch, just focus on the ball, the goal and the shot with their feet. Thank you to my teammates for a great series."
After the victory over Saudi Arabia, the Korean team will face another very strong opponent, Australia, in the quarter-finals on February 3.
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