Soccer Extreme : An extra-time goal from substitute Yoon Bit-garam ensured Korea Republic once again got the better of Iran as the Taeguk Warriors progressed to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 semi-finals following a 1-0 win at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium on Saturday.The two sides were pitched against each other at the quarter-final stage for the second successive edition of the tournament and, as was the case in 2007, neither could break the deadlock inside 90 minutes.
But unlike four year ago, Yoon ensured penalties would not be needed to separate the two when he struck towards the end of the first period of extra time to set-up a mouthwatering semi-final clash between Korea Republic and Japan.
Both sides were cheered on by a sizeable contingent of their respective fans and it was the Koreans who were the first to be given something to shout about when they were awarded a free-kick outside the area, but Ki Sung-yueng sent his effort straight into the wall.
It took until the 23rd minute for the next chance to materialise and it once again went the way of the East Asians as Ki struck a well-hit volley from outside the box just wide of the target.
Moments later, Korea Republic keeper Jung Sung-ryong was finally tested at the other end of the pitch, though it was by his own player as Ji Dong-won headed Mohammad Reza Khalatbari’s free-kick towards goal and Jung did well to get a hand to and avert the danger.
But Cho Kwang-rae’s side continued to dominate possession and Ji came within inches of giving his side the lead just before the break with a curling effort that flew just wide of the post.
Though Korea Republic had dominated possession they had yet to register a shot on target and it was not until just after the hour that they managed to do just that when Cha Du-ri delivered a fine cross that Ji headed straight at Iran keeper Mahdi Rahmati.
A mistake in defence presented Ehsan Haji Safi with a clear sight on goal soon after but the defender drove his shot wide before Javad Nekounam headed wide as Iran started to come into the game.
But still the two sides largely cancelled each other out and, after Pejman Nouri shot high and wide the referee signaled the end of 90 minutes, meaning extra time was needed to separate the pair.
Haji Safi produced a timely tackle to prevent Park Ji-sung a chance on goal but once again the game was largely contested in the midfield with chances at a premium.
But the Koreans finally managed to break the deadlock seconds before the end of the first period of extra time when substitute Yoon dribbled the ball towards the edge of area before lashing a powerful shot into the back of the net.
It was backs against the walls for the Koreans in the closing stages but they successfully held Iran at bay to seal the hard-fought victory. (the-afc)