The Korean men's national football team secured second place in the 2015 Asian Cup after being defeated by Australia in Sydney on January 31. The Korean team was trying to reclaim its title after 55 years.

In the final match of the 2015 Asian Cup between Korea and Australia the Korean soccer team lost 2-1 in overtime. Korea led the game until the middle of the first half when Australian Massimo Luongo scored off an aggressive mid-range shot. This was the first goal Korea had conceded in the entire tournament.

In the second half, the Korean team continued its offensive run and scored an equalizer, but Australia’s goal posts were not an easy target. Nonetheless, the Korean players did not easily give up their goal of recapturing the top position in Asian football since 1960. After receiving a pass from Ki Sung-yueng, Son Heung-min powered the ball into the back of the Australian net, leading the game into overtime. This was the 100th goal for the Korean team in the history of the Asian Cup.

Korea was paving the way to victory, but Australian midfielder James Troisi was on target 15 minutes into overtime. Goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon, who did not allow any goals until this final match, blocked a shot by Tomi Juric, but Troisi got the ball again, netting the winning goal.

Korea has taken second place in the Asian Cup four times, in 1976, 1980, 1988 and, now, 2015. It won twice, in 1956 and 1960.



Korean national football team coach Uli Stielike said, “I did not promise to win the match before the game because there can be many changes during a match. I can say that on the pitch the players displayed everything they have and represented their country with pride. I am so proud of them.”



Cha Du-ri, who has now become the oldest player to participate in an Asian Cup at the age of 34 years and 190 days, said, “I would like to thank you for taking a big interest in Korean soccer and for your heartfelt cheering. I guess all the players felt your enthusiasm, which really helped us display such energy in the stadium.”

“I won’t be able to show you my part on the team, but I wish you can support and cheer us on a lot, so that the players can get even better results in future matches and future games,” Cha added with a smile.

By Jeon Han, Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr
Photos: Yonhap News