South Korea beats Saudi Arabia in thrilling penalty shootout

The most exciting match in the 1/8 round of the 2023 Asian Cup is the confrontation between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Although rated higher than the opponent, the South Korean team was overwhelmed in the first half of the first half. The Saudi team with the agility of Al Dawsari and Al Shehri made it difficult for the South Korean defenders.

But before the Saudi Arabian team could make a difference, they almost conceded a goal. In the 26th minute, Son Heung-min broke free and had a chance to face goalkeeper Al Kassar. However, the Tottenham striker did not finish well. In this situation, he could have passed the ball to a teammate in an open and more favorable position.

South Korea 1-1 Saudi Arabia. (Penalty: 4-2)

In the 41st minute, the Saudi Arabian team had a powerful response. In just a few seconds, 2 players of this team headed the ball against the crossbar twice. The first half passed without any goals being scored. The scenario of the second half changed quickly and made the match more attractive.

In the 46th minute, substitute striker Abdullah Radif proved why coach Roberto Mancini had put his faith in him. He made an impressive acceleration and a tricky finish to open the scoring for the Saudi Arabian team.

Not accepting defeat, the Korean team pushed their entire squad into the opponent's half and put a lot of pressure on Al Kassar's goal. The Korean team had a hard time against the well-organized Saudi Arabian defense. They had no choice but to play long balls and high balls. But coach Klinsmann's tactical adjustments still worked.

While fans were still regretting Cho Gue Sung's shot that hit the crossbar, this striker himself made a tricky header to equalize 1-1 in the 90+9 minute. In extra time, the Korean team completely dominated Saudi Arabia. However, the lack of luck from Cho Gue Sung and Son Heung-min prevented Korea from finishing the match.

In the penalty shootout full of luck, goalkeeper Cho Hyun Woo brilliantly blocked two shots from Saudi Arabia and helped Korea win with a score of 4-2.

Result: Saudi Arabia 1-1 South Korea (penalty: 2-4)

Score

Saudi Arabia: Abdullah Radif (46')

Korea: Cho Gue Sung (90'+9)

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea lineup

Saudi Arabia: Al Kassar, Al Bulayhi, Al Tambakti, Alawjami, Al Breik, Kanno, Al Khaibari, Nasser Al Dawsari, Abdulhamid, Salem Al Dawsari, Al Shehri.

Korea: Cho Hyun Woo, Kim Young Gwon, Jung Seung Hyun, Kim Min Jae, Seol Young Woo, Jeong Woo-yeong, Lee Jae Sung, Hwang In Beom, Lee Kang-in, Kim Tae Hwan, Son Heung-min.

Mai Phuong

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