Jang Hyunsoo launches Korea into the semis as rivals Japan crash out in Munhak derby
Korea Republic clinched a crucial victory over Japan after Jang Hyunsoo converted a major penalty in the dying minutes of the heated clash.
In the first half, Korea looked the better team as they pressed forward multiple times for the early goal, however it came to no avail as Japan’s defensive line led by Endo and goalkeeper Niekawa denied plenty of goal scoring opportunities, much to the frustration of Korea. Japan also had few moments where they exploited brief defensive lapses led by the brilliant pace of Suzuki. Nevertheless, the Koreans produced a dogged display by flooding red shirts back to shield the Japanese attack.
Level pegging
The crowd’s disappointment was very much heard as rising star Kim Young-uk failed to find the net after heading a well timed cross above the goal. Rim Changwoo also drove the ball wide to take the pressure off the Japanese defence, after Iwanima rescued Japan with a brilliant goal-line clearance. While on the other end, the Koreans defenders were beginning to appreciate how much of a problem Suzuki would cause. Both teams were desperate to not concede the first goal.
The game remained deadlocked at 0–0 at half-time, and appeared to remain that way. Korea was yet to concede a single goal in the tournament, so naturally, Japan felt determined to break the spell.
Tactical changes
The second half began with the Samurai Blues dictating the pace of game, as they started to find generous amounts of space in the Korean half. However, bodies began flying back into the danger area before any real attack could be posed. It was time for substitute Lee Jongho, the ‘Korean Rooney’, to make his stamp on the game as coach Lee Kwangjong ordered a tactical change. Japan’s coach, Teguramori Makoto, who recently was in the press for wanting to ‘take the Asian Games away from Korea’ was in high spirit as he ushered a substitution to react to the change.
For the majority of the match, Korean players piled a lot of pressure on the Japanese. However it seemed that the Taeguk warriors simply lacked the finesse to get on the scoresheet. Most disappointing was Lee Jongho’s chances, most of which were squandered by poor shots. Although, the Koreans appeared most dangerous with their Right Back in play.
Despite the solid defence of the Samurai Blues, there was a tremendous effort to break forward which amounted to a powerful strike by the Japanese forward. Regardless of all the efforts of the Japanese, the shot was kept alive with an incredible save by the young keeper, Kim Seung-gyu to deny Japan their opportunity to lead the game. Equally so, Korea found themselves in good luck as the goal opened up in the final third. Unbelievably, the kick was stopped by a fantastic clearance by Japan. The crowd roared forward and appealed for a handball, but the referee (and the match replay) indicated that the shoulder was used.
Drama
With 6 minutes to go, it looks as if we were here for the long haul with the possibility of extra time looming ahead. Korea began their final push into the box, but skipper Oshima tragically impeded the Korean forward, Lee Jongho, in the box. The ref blew the whistle quickly to award Korea a unanimous (albeit dramatic) penalty with 7 minutes on the clock.
There was a brief scramble to decide who will take the shot, it seemed as if no one would step forward, understandably so. However, Jang Hyunsoo who just turned 23 years old today volunteered. Everyone at the Incheon Munhak Stadium held their breath. But it was short lived as Jang Hyunsoo’s shot was driven into the back of the net, breaking the hearts of the Japanese after fighting to keep Korea at bay.
Last ditch effort
The Samurai Blues had less than 6 minutes to salvage the game, and as a result coach Teguramori began pushing the players forward in order to stay alive in the tournament. Suzuki began breaking up the field, though tired legs began to show as a tame shot left Japan with no reply. The home crowd erupted with jubilation as the final whistle blew at 1–0 for Korea, with the match deciding penalty from birthday boy Lee Jangho lifted Korea into the semi finals (along with the Korean women’s side) to retain an undefeated streak of clean-sheets.
Korea men’s team will face Thailand in the semis on the 30th of September at 20:00 (KST). While Korea (South) women’s will take on Korea (North) tomorrow in the semis at 20:00 (KST). Stay with us for updates.
This article was originally published in the official Incheon Asian Games blog. Written by Ash Chetri, a member of the IAG Crew. For questions you can reach him on twitter @Ashtopher.
