South Korea and Son Heung-min stunned in the Asian Cup semi-finals as Jordan beat Jurgen Klinsmann’s side 2-0 to reach a historic first final
- Yazan Al-Naimat and Mousa Tamari gave Jordan a 2-0 victory over South Korea
- The result ended South Korea’s hopes of winning a first Asian Cup since 1960
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Two-time winners South Korea were dumped out of the Asian Cup in the semi-finals as Jordan secured a 2-0 victory to reach the final for the first time.
South Korea, led by captain Son Heung-min, had narrowly survived escapes on their way to the last four.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s side came loose against Jordan, who struck twice in the second half to claim victory.
Yazan Al-Naimat put Jordan ahead with a poor finish in the 53rd minute, with Mousa Tamari’s solo goal sealing their place in a first final.
Son had seen a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, with South Korea also having a penalty overturned after a VAR review.
South Korea and Son Heung-Min were stunned by Jordan in the semi-final of the Asian Cup
Jordan celebrated booking a place in the Asian Cup final for the first time in its history
Son felt sorry for Jordanian Abdallah Nasib after the full-time whistle in Al Rayyan
Jordan, ranked 64 places lower than South Korea by FIFA, had never advanced past the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup prior to the tournament.
Hussein Ammouta’s team now awaits the winners of the second semi-final between Qatar and Iran in the final.
Host country Qatar is the reigning champion.
South Korea had hoped to win the Asian Cup for the first time since 1960, but were unconvincing throughout the tournament.
An own goal in stoppage time was needed to earn South Korea a 2–2 draw against Jordan in the group stage, while Malaysia were also held to a 3–3 draw.
South Korea needed an equalizer and penalties in the ninth minute of stoppage time to get past Saudi Arabia.
A 96th-minute penalty forced extra time against Australia in the quarter-finals.
Yazan al-Naimat provided a nice finish to give Jordan the lead in the semi-finals
Mousa Tamari’s solo effort doubled Jordan’s lead and sent Jordan to a first final
South Korean captain Son had hoped to lead the country to a first Asian Cup title since 1960
Jordan will await the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Qatar and Iran
Son’s stunning free-kick ultimately gave South Korea a 2-1 victory over Australia in extra time, booking a place in the semi-finals.
South Korea were unable to fight back against Jordan, with Klinsmann’s side failing to get a shot on target in the 90 minutes.
A disconsolate Son was shown full-time sympathy by Jordan players, which saw the victors celebrate their historic victory with their supporters.
Jordan will be aiming for a maiden Asian Cup victory when the final is held on Saturday.