ABU DHABI (AFP) - An effervescent Son Heung-min inspired title-chasing South Korea to a comfortable 2-0 victory over China on Wednesday (Jan 16) to finish top of their Asian Cup group.
Iran, joint favourites with the Koreans, also advanced as group winners despite being held to a goalless draw by bitter rivals Iraq, while Kyrgyzstan squeaked through on their tournament debut.
Hwang Ui-jo and Kim Min-jae were on target as South Korea, boosted by the arrival of their talisman, ran China ragged in Abu Dhabi.
Son won the penalty converted by Hwang and fizzed in the assist for Kim to help South Korea finish top of Group C with a perfect nine points as they look to end 59 years of Asian Cup hurt.
"Of course I'm a bit tired - I didn't expect to play for so long," Korean captain Son told AFP after completing 87 minutes despite a punishing run of 13 games for Tottenham since the start of December.
"But it's an honour to wear this red shirt and play for the national team. My first game of the tournament, clean sheet, 2-0 - it's a happy afternoon!"
Marcello Lippi's China finished as group runners-up having likewise already sealed their place in the last 16 by winning their first two matches.
Spurs forward Son, who played in the London club's 1-0 defeat by Manchester United three days ago, showed quick feet to tempt China defender Shi Ke into a rash lunge after 12 minutes.
Hwang calmly tucked away the spot-kick to send thousands of Korean 'Red Devils' fans wild at the compact Al Nahyan Stadium.
South Korea, who beat Asian Cup first-timers Philippines and Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in their opening two games, went for the jugular.
A Hwang Hee-chan rocket forced China goalkeeper Yan Junling into a fingertip save before Hwang Ui-jo curled an effort against the post.
The Koreans doubled their lead six minutes after the break when Son's corner was met by Kim's thumping header.
Son went down clutching his ankle after a meaty challenge from China's tattooed defender Zhang Linpeng late on.
But the 26-year-old appeared to suffer no lasting damage and was given a rousing reception when he trotted off three minutes from time.
TITLE DROUGHT
South Korea, who famously reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, have failed to win Asian football's most coveted prize since winning back-to-back titles in 1956 and 1960.
But the addition of the mercurial Son has clearly energised the 2015 runners-up, who suddenly look a very different proposition.
"We are very satisfied with the effort that Son made," said South Korea coach Paulo Bento, who is yet to learn the identity of his team's last-16 opponents.
"What's important in this moment is to enjoy this result and then go again."
China, Asian Cup finalists in 1984 and 2004, began the competition by edging Kyrgyzstan 2-1 and overpowering the Philippines 3-0.
But they were no match for South Korea and were lucky not to concede further goals in a lop-sided game.
"Let's be honest, the Korean team is much stronger than us - they're faster, technically superior and play with greater intensity," shrugged Lippi, whose side face Thailand in the last 16.
"They are one of the favourites to win the tournament - we have to accept that and focus on our next challenge."
Iran, themselves looking to end a 43-year title drought, fired blanks in Dubai but still topped Group D on goal difference from Iraq after thrashing Yemen 5-0 and beating Vietnam 2-0.
Elsewhere, a Vitalij Lux hat-trick sent Sven-Goran Eriksson's Philippines crashing out and Kyrgyzstan through from Group C as one of the best third-placed teams after a 3-1 victory.
The Filipino "street dogs" grabbed a late consolation through Stephan Schrock - their first-ever Asian Cup goal and one celebrated with gusto by their noisy fans.
Vietnam eased past war-torn Yemen 2-0 for their first points after a brilliant Nguyen Quang Hai free-kick and a penalty from Que Ngoc Hai.
What do adders look like and can they kill? The only venomous snakes native to the UK - here's all you need to know While the adder's bite can be very painful and the venom does have the
Bargain Shopping at Torrevieja Markets - Spain Holiday
Fabio Quagliarella becomes oldest Italy scorer in 6-0 Liechtenstein rout - Times of India. 2 months ago. PARMA: Fabio Quagliarella became the oldest ever player to score for Italy as the 36-year-old converted two penalties in a crushing 6-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win by the Azzurri over Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
Quagliarella becomes oldest Italian scorer in 6-0
Germany's new-look team made a promising return to the international stage with a 1-1 draw against Serbia in a friendly on Wednesday, showing signs of improvement following a disastrous 2018.
Football: New-look Germany make promising start with Serbia draw
MILAN (AFP) - Juventus clinched their eighth consecutive Serie A title on Saturday (April 20) with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Fiorentina.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Juventus win eighth consecutive Serie A title | New Straits
Manchester City's hopes of retaining their Premier League title suffered a potentially grievous blow as struggling Newcastle United earned a remarkable 2-1 comeback win over the champions at St James' Park on Tuesday. City were far from their rampant best but a goal after 24 seconds from Sergio
Liverpool forwards Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will miss Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Barcelona through injury. Salah left the pitch on a stretcher after an aerial
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino ruled out of FC
The long trophy streak has, at long last, been broken. After hoovering up all 11 trophies on offer in the previous three seasons, Albirex Niigata finally tasted defeat when Home United triumphed 5
Home United snap Albirex Niigata's title-winning streak
sportslifetale.com/soccer/home-united-snap-albirex-niigatas-title-winning-streak/
The long trophy streak has, at long last, been broken. After hoovering up all 11 trophies on offer in the previous three seasons, Albirex Niigata finally tasted defeat when Home United triumphed 5-4 on penalties to lift the Community Shield last night as the new Singapore Premier League (SPL) season kicked off.
Home United snap Albirex Niigata's title-winning streak
Weary feet to blame for England's fall. England's Kyle Walker scoring an own goal during extra time while under pressure from Dutch striker Quincy Promes during their Nations League semi-final
Boy, 6, reportedly in critical condition after falling 15
LONDON (REUTERS) - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reiterated how he wants to be more than a caretaker manager at Manchester United after matching a venerable feat only ever performed at the club by its most
Football: Paul Pogba wants to stay at Man United, says Ole
sports-life-news.com/soccer/football-paul-pogba-wants-to-stay-at-man-united-says-ole-gunnar-solskjaer/
Football: Solskjaer, Phelan 'front runners' for United caretaker role, says club source ; Football: Solskjaer wants United players to enjoy their football ; Football: Solskjaer wants more than caretaker role after 100 per cent start with Man United ; Football: Man United's Pogba should be fit to face Spurs says Solskjaer
Football: Man United's Pogba should be fit to face Spurs says
sports-life-news.com/soccer/football-man-uniteds-pogba-should-be-fit-to-face-spurs-says-solskjaer/
Football: Solskjaer wants more than caretaker role after 100 per cent start with Man United Valencia vs Manchester United LIVE: Champions League goal updates, score, how to watch, stream, news Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Mauricio Pochettino to Man United speculation is 'there of a reason'
Solskjaer wants Man Utd 'enjoying football again' - espn.com
According to the research of Dr. Anders Ericsson, motivation is the most significant predictor of success. In simple terms, Dr. Ericsson found that experts in many walks of life, whether sport
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale came off the bench and coolly converted a controversial penalty to secure a 2-1 win at Levante in La Liga on Sunday as the European champions rode their luck to stay
Jun 01, 2019 · Since the moment Lucas Moura sent Tottenham Hotspur through, the idea of Harry Kane returning from his latest ankle ligament injury to start Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against
Champions League final result: Liverpool lift sixth European
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has an incredible relationship with Manchester United's players, according to midfielder Ander Herrera, although the 29-year-old also insists Jose Mourinho made him a better
Why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could keep the Man Utd job
Ryan Giggs has responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's criticism of the Class of 92 by insisting players with "over 2,000 games between us" are entitled to have an opinion about Manchester United.
Giggs hits back after Zlatan criticism of Man Utd 'Class of
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/03/19/giggs-hits-back-after-zlatan-criticism-of-man-utd-class-of-92/
Giggs hits back after Zlatan criticism of Man Utd 'Class of 92' AFP March 19, 2019 AFP No Comments London (AFP) - Ryan Giggs has responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's criticism of the "Class of 92" by insisting players with "over 2,000 games between us" are entitled to have an opinion about Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs hits back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic over Class of 92
Football: Valencia to face Barca in Copa final after seeing off Betis Valencia's forward Rodrigo Moreno (second right) celebrates with team mates after scoring. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Soccer: Valencia to face Barca in Copa final after seeing off
watch english premier league live streaming
watch indian premier league live streaming
watch premier league net live stream channel
watch premier league live streaming online - soccer portal
watch soccer live streaming zee tv
watch soccer live live football streaming cr7
watch coppa america live streaming bola
watch champions league live streaming live
watch champions league final live streaming
watch soccer live streaming xbox one
watch champions league draw live stream total sportek
watch sky sports premier league online free streaming live
watch premier league live streaming free
watch usa soccer live stream online
watch tamil nadu premier league live streaming
watch coppa america live streaming jamaica
watch premier league live streaming youtube
watch champions league live streaming zee5
watch coppa america live streaming putlockers
free watch soccer live streaming
watch soccer live stream apk
watch coppa america live streaming zip
watch champions league live streaming now
watch soccer live stream app
watch coppa america live streaming ronaldo 7
watch champions league live streaming vk
live tv soccer live stream - live3s.com
super soccer tv live streaming napoli vs juventus
watch iceland soccer live stream
where to watch premier league live streaming
super soccer tv live streaming persib
watch premier league live streaming live free
watch coppa america live streaming in india
watch soccer online free streaming live without registration
watch uefa champions league live streaming sportek
watch champions league live streaming pakistan
watch coppa america live streaming mexico
watch soccer live streaming reddit
watch champions league final live streaming online
watch champions league live streaming jamaica
watch premier league darts live stream
live ipl live streaming- watch indian premier league 2013 online
watch soccer online free streaming live youtube
watch real madrid vs juventus live streaming of champions league
watch coppa america live streaming spain
watch soccer live - live football streaming
where to watch free live soccer streaming online
watch live streaming soccer manchester united
watch soccer game live espn
watch soccer aid live stream online
watch live soccer streaming on android
watch soccer live streaming kenya
watch coppa america live streaming crictime
watch coppa america live streaming youtube
watch champions league live streaming manchester united
watch premier league live streaming zimbabwe
watch coppa america live streaming dailymotion
watch live premier league football streaming online for free
watch champions league live streaming canada
watch soccer online free streaming live bbc
watch soccer online free streaming live app
watch champions league live streaming xfinity
watch champions league live streaming mobile
watch english premier league live streaming free
watch soccer live streaming juventus vs manchester united
watch english premier league live streaming hd
watch epl live streaming on iphone
watch premier league live streaming vf
watch coppa america live streaming barcelona
watch coppa america live streaming english
watch coppa america live streaming totalsportek
how to watch soccer live streaming free
watch soccer online free streaming live
watch live english premier league online free streaming
watch coppa america live streaming quality
watch champions league soccer live streaming
watch hd soccer live streaming free
watch coppa america live streaming xbox
watch soccer live streaming juventus
watch premier league live streaming video
watch uefa champions league final live streaming free online
watch coppa america live streaming twitch
watch champions league live streaming espn
watch sky sports premier league live streaming
watch coppa america live streaming canada
watch live soccer game barcelona vs real madrid
watch soccer online free streaming live cricfree
watch soccer online free streaming live canada
watch uefa champions league live streaming youtube
soccer tv live football streaming portugal
watch coppa america live streaming rcti
watch soccer online free streaming live manchester united
watch champions league live streaming xbox one
watch bangladesh premier league live streaming free
watch champions league soccer live streaming
watch soccer online free streaming live reddit
watch soccer online free streaming live india
watch coppa america live streaming sub eng
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online youtube
watch soccer online free streaming live first row
watch the premier league live stream
watch coppa america live streaming juventus vs manchester united
super soccer tv live streaming garuda select
watch coppa america live streaming without cable
watch coppa america live streaming qatar
watch soccer live streaming kenya vs ethiopia
watch soccer aid live stream
watch live soccer streaming on iphone
how to watch premier league live streaming
watch live streaming soccer world cup
watch soccer online free streaming live uk
watch coppa america live streaming now
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online india
watch premier league live streaming vk
watch soccer live streaming qatar vs philippines
watch soccer games online free streaming live
watch soccer saturday live stream
watch champions league live streaming crictime
watch soccer am online live streaming
watch english premier league live streaming online
watch coppa america live streaming free online
watch coppa america live streaming kenya
watch coppa america live streaming philippines
watch champions league live streaming zee tv
apps to watch live streaming soccer
watch soccer online free streaming live batman
watch coppa america live streaming nz
watch coppa america live streaming xbox one
watch live stream soccer games online free
watch champions league live streaming bein sport
watch coppa america live streaming india
#lovefootball #trollfootball #knuckleball #Vip45 #433skills #bundesliga #manchestercity #afcnews #barcelona #liverpool #coyg #league2 #4Series #footballmemes #portsmouthfc #vandijk #thebeatles #coutinho #ballondor #realmadrid #livesports #frasitrap #zinedinezidane #MyDubai #comico #Barcelona #roadtrip #linkstreaming #bayern #liverpoolcity #acmilan #golf #winner #mancityvsliverpool #gooners #realmadridcf #ignoranza #valcea #Bar #24x7 #football #londoncity #nutmeg #Barca #seriea #bestshishacafedubai #fut #golazo #footballdubai #salah #liverpoolfc #freekicks #Liverpool #satira #ronaldo #petercrouch #lfc #villarealcf #soccer #football #mensnightout #realmadrid #cristiano #rugby #coys #adidasslipon #Suarez #leicestercity #gym #mancity #serieatim #arsenalfantv #chocolate #nikesoccer #commento #premierleague #copaamerica #pagani #cappucino #americanfootball #soccerbible #frasirap #oudmehta #rockstar #thomasmeunier #vip #championsleague #commentimemorabili #hotcoffee #tokyo #risate #juventus
0 comments:
Post a Comment