Team captain Son Heung-min and striker Hwang Hee-chan on Feb. 2 exchange a hug after the national soccer team's dramatic 2-1 victory over Australia in the Asian Cup quarterfinals at Al Janub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Yonhap News)

By Xu Aiying

The national soccer team has advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Cup in Qatar.

The Taegeuk Warriors on Feb. 2 defeated Australia, 2-1, in the quarterfinals at Al Janub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

Korea rallied from a first-half goal deficit to tie the game at 1-1 right before the end of regulation. Striker Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) converted a penalty earned by captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur).

In the 14th minute of the first half of overtime, Son curled in a dramatic free kick to punch his team's ticket to the semifinals.

Starting with its 2-2 draw with Jordan in the group stage, Korea thus scored a stoppage goal in the second half for the fourth consecutive game in the Asian Cup, displaying the team's unwavering spirit to fight to the very end.

"The biggest advantage is that our players are united as one," Son said at the post-match news conference. "I think the fun of the competition is to win through mental strength."

Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann also praised his squad for its thrilling come-from-behind victory. "It was a hard, hard-fought fight with Australia," he said. "I'm proud of this team, I'm proud of the spirit they have."

Korea on Feb. 6 again faces Jordan for the right to play in the final.

xuaiy@korea.kr