Alkass Digital
Substitute Lee Young-jun’s header deep into added time saw Korea Republic snatch a 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group B tie at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday.
The last gasp win means Korea Republic share the Group B top spot with Japan, who defeated China PR by the same score earlier on Tuesday.
Korea Republic dominated the early proceedings but UAE’s compact defence made it very hard for the 2020 winners to find a way through as they were limited to attempts from outside the box.
UAE goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid, however, had to be on his toes - parrying away Lee Kang-hee’s effort in the 14th minute, before denying Hong Si-hoo three minutes later.
Korea Republic thought they had prevailed in the 18th minute when An Jae-jun struck home Kang Sang-yoon’s pass from close range, only for the latter to be ruled offside.
UAE, while content to sit deep, gave Korea Republic the occasional scare through Yaser Al Blooshi and Zayed Sultan on the right flank but the last chance of the first half fell to Paik Sang-hoon, only for the FC Seoul midfielder to send his strike straight into the arms of Tawhid.
Korea Republic head coach Hwang Sun-hong sent on Young-jun and Kang Seong-jin in the second half to bolster their attacking options.
Seong-jin played a huge role in Korea Republic’s barrage of attacks, just failing to convert from an acute angle in the 74th minute.
Seong-jin's effort in the 87th minute was then ruled offside but there was no denying Korea Republic in added time, as Young-jun rose high to sensationally head home Lee Tae-sok’s corner set-piece to snatch the win.
Korea Republic face China PR next while UAE will look to bounce back against Japan.