South Korea took on Iraq in the first semi-final of the AFC Asian Cup in Sydney on Monday.

The two teams had met at the same stage in the 2007 tournament where Iraq won on penalties and went on to claim the title in the final. Iraq was hoping for a repeat of the same at the Stadium Australia clash.

Under their German coach Uli Stielike, South Korea are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Two minutes in, South Korean skipper Ki Sung Yeung floats a superb cross into the area, just out of reach of Han Kyo Won's desperate dive.

Iraq were told to tighten their defense by their coach Radhi Swadi, but South Korea still get through.

The Taeguk Warriors have a great opportunity when Son Heung Min, the hero in their win against Uzbekistan in the quarter final, sends a rasping drive from outside the area that tests Iraq goal keeper Jalal Hassan.

Then in the 20th minute, Kim Jin Su, who plays for Hoffenheim in Bundesliga, sends in a free kick and Lee Jeong Hyeop beats his marker to score with a glancing header. South Korea leads 1-0.

Soon after the break, South Korea goal keeper Kim Jin Hyeon almost suffers a panic attack when he dances down the pitch for an innocuous looking ball - but Alaa Abdulzehrea could not take advantage.

South Korea then double their lead in the 50th minute. Iraq fail to clear their lines off a corner kick from the far side and Lee Jeop Hyeop chests the ball down for Kim Young Gwan to score with a brilliant finish.

South Korea hold on to win 2-0 and reach the final of the Asian Cup for the first time since 1988. Iraq will play in the third place consolation match with the winner sealing a spot in the next Asian Cup.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)