DOHA // Yoon Bit-garam, a South Korean substitute, produced a stunning extra-time winner last night as his side overcame a defensive Iran team in their Asian Cup quarter-final.
The South Koreans will play Japan in Tuesday's semi-finals.
South Korea and Iran have now met five consecutive times in Asian Cup quarter-finals, with South Korea winning three of the matches. Four years ago, they beat Iran on penalties. After winning the first two editions of the continental tournament, South Korea were runner-up three times and finished third another three times, but have not won the title since 1960.
The Koreans dominated territory and possession for long periods at the Qatar Sports Club but failed to create many clearcut chances as the Iranians defended deeply but effectively, marshalled by the headband-wearing Hadi Aghili.
However, Aghili and his team could not stop Yoon from cutting in off the right flank and angling a left-foot drive into the far corner of the net in the 105th minute to leave the Koreans dreaming of a first Asian Cup title in 51 years.