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AFC Asian Cup: Son Heung-min drags S. Korea into semifinals

Baku, February 3, AZERTAC
Captain Son Heung-min won a stoppage-time penalty and scored an extra-time free-kick on Friday night to propel South Korea to the AFC Asian Cup semifinals following a 2-1 comeback victory over Australia, according to Xinhua.
The two-time winners of the tournament, moving a step closer to reclaiming the continental title for the first time since 1960, will face Jordan in a last-four clash on Tuesday.
"I want them to experience what it would mean to get to the end of a tournament, all the way to the end and to play for the trophy," South Korea head coach Jurgen Klinsmann from Germany said before the match.
Klinsmann's encouragement for his side was well responded in the thrilling quarterfinal against Australia, the champions in the 2015 edition.
Earlier on Friday, Jordan entered the semifinals for the first time in their history after a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan.
Having reached the quarterfinals twice, the West Asian team finally strode a step forward this time.
Center-back Abdallah Nasib rose high to meet a cross from the corner in the 66th minute, and his header bounced off Tajik defender Vahdat Hanonov before falling into the net.
Tajikistan, who were on their maiden continental campaign, ended their fairy-tale runs on a high note.
The Asian Cup, featuring a total of 24 teams, is running from January 12 to February 10.

 

 

 

Sports 2024-02-03 11:44:00