S. Korea win sets up blockbuster clash, as Uzbeks plot 'surprise'

DOHA — Son Heung-min's South Korea came back from the dead to beat Saudi Arabia 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday and join dark horse Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup quarterfinals.

South Korea will face Australia in the last eight, while the Uzbeks play host and current holder Qatar after beating Thailand 2-1.

Second-choice goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo was the hero for South Korea in Doha, saving penalties from Sami Al-Najei and Abdulrahman Ghareeb in the shootout.

Cho was only playing because of a serious knee injury to regular stopper Kim Seung-gyu in training earlier in the tournament.

After a nail-biting game ended 1-1, Hwang Hee-chan scored the decisive penalty for Jurgen Klinsmann's side, which is aiming to end a 64-year Asian Cup title drought.

Saudi coach Roberto Mancini disappeared down the tunnel before Hwang took the winning penalty.

"I think this win gives the team an enormous amount of energy," said Klinsmann, who faced fierce criticism in South Korea following draws with Jordan and Malaysia in the group stage.

"It gives the team even more spirit. This is a group of players that I really enjoy working with because they have a lot of heart."

His opposite number Mancini said he had not meant "to disrespect anyone" by leaving the pitch before the shootout had concluded.

"I apologize, I thought it was finished," the Italian said.

In front of a crowd of 40,000 at Education City Stadium, Abdullah Radif opened the scoring for the Saudis 33 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute.

South Korea had several chances to equalize but left it until the death to do so, with sub Cho Guesung popping up in the 99th minute to rescue his team and force extra time.

Klinsmann's men dominated both periods of extra time, but were guilty of over-complicating things and could not put the ball in the net.

While Saudi Pro League sides have shelled out vast sums to lure big-name players, and Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup, it is out of the Asian Cup in the last 16, and its wait for a fourth continental crown — and first since 1996 — goes on.

'Why not?'

Srecko Katanec said that his Uzbekistan side can "surprise "Qatar in the quarterfinals, despite being depleted by injury and illness.

The Uzbeks took the lead against Thailand in the first half with a cool Azizbek Turgunboev finish through the legs of the goalkeeper.

Thailand was the lowest-ranked team left at the tournament, but it hit back just before the hour with an even better goal from distance, launched by substitute Supachok Sarachat.

Uzbekistan went ahead again midway through the second half, when highly rated 20-year-old CSKA Moscow attacker Abbosbek Fayzullaev struck from outside the box.

This time, Thailand had no reply, despite some late pressure.

Uzbek coach Katanec felt his side should have scored two more goals in the first half, but was delighted with the result, especially as the team was missing several first-choice players.

"Imagine what kind of work I have to do," said the Slovenian, noting that he is missing five regular starters, none of whom will be available to face Qatar on Saturday.

"We also have some virus, and many players are ill. But, we performed well, and the players did their job," he said.

Despite the situation, Katanec struck a defiant tone, saying: "We can surprise Qatar, why not?"

AFP