Late strike settles semi-final
South Korea came from behind to defeat China 2-1 on Wednesday in Osaka and secure a place in a record fourth successive Asian Games men's soccer final. Bae Jun-ho, the Stoke City attacker, met a long cross at the far post and volleyed in the winner in the 82nd minute at Nagai stadium. The defending champions had trailed after China forward Wang Yudong opened the scoring, only for Lee Young-jun to head in a corner in the 33rd minute and level the match.[S1]
China had chances to retake the lead. In the 62nd minute, defender Peng Xiao found the ball at his feet right in front of goal after a poor clearing header, but sent a low shot wide of the left post. South Korea then survived a scare in the 79th minute when a diving Lee nearly headed a cross into his own net, the ball flashing past the post. Minutes later, Bae converted Eom Ji-sung's cross to give his side breathing room.[S1]
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Final awaits, with military exemption at stake
South Korea will play for an unprecedented fourth straight gold medal in Saturday's final at Toyota stadium. Their opponent will be the winner of the second semi-final between Japan and Uzbekistan, which was scheduled for later on Wednesday. For the players, another Asian Games title would carry an added reward: exemption from South Korea's compulsory military service for adult males.[S1]
China exited at the semi-final stage for the first time in 28 years, and their run ended with some regret. It followed a journey to the under-23 Asian Cup final in January that also finished without gold. The defeat in Osaka leaves China still searching for a first title at this level, while South Korea move on to defend their crown.[S1]
