S Koreans break Chinese hearts to reach soccer final

Reigning champions South Korea yesterday struck with eight minutes left to seal a 2-1 win over a “proud” China to reach the Asian Games men’s soccer final.

The South Koreans are to face either hosts Japan or Uzbekistan for gold on Saturday as they pursue a fourth consecutive title.

Uzbekistan and Japan were tied 1-1 as of press time last night.

South Korea’s Bae Jun-ho, center, hugs teammate Lee Young-jun, left, after Lee scored their first goal in their men’s soccer semi-final against China at the Asian Games at Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan, yesterday.

Photo: Reuters

Bae Jun-ho was their hero, ghosting in at the back post to head in a dramatic 82nd-minute winner at Nagai Stadium.

Men’s soccer at the Asian Games consists of under-23 squads with three overage players.

“We were expecting a challenging match but we persevered,” South Korea coach Lee Min-sung said. “We conceded first to make it even harder, but our team fought back, and I’m happy with that.”

Lee’s side are attempting to bring some cheer to South Korean soccer fans after a disappointing FIFA World Cup, where the senior team exited in the group stage.

China’s men have never won soccer gold at the Asian Games and were contesting their first semi-final since 1998.

History looked on the cards when Wang Yudong finished off a smart team move with an emphatic finish to put China ahead on 22 minutes.

In an entertaining encounter in front of a sparse crowd, Lee Young-jun hit back for South Korea 11 minutes later with China goalkeeper Li Hao getting a hand to his header, but unable to keep the ball out.

Both sides had chances in the second half, before Stoke City’s Bae popped up with the winner.

China coach Antonio Puche would have to rally his men with a bronze medal on the line.

“I spoke with the players and what I said is that even though we lost, the important thing was that we fought,” he said. “We lost, but we are proud.”