Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kunshan: Lee Keun-ho scored twice as Korea Republic moved into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Championship 2018 on Wednesday evening with Kim Bong-gil’s side edging Australia 3-2 in a thrilling climax to Group D..
Lee’s goals came either side of a fine effort from Han Seung-gyi that were just enough to see off a determined fightback by the Olyroos and set up a last eight meeting with Malaysia on Saturday.
Two goals in six minutes late in the second half from Nicholas Cowburn and Trent Buhagiar gave Ante Milicic’s team hope of salvaging the win needed to advance to the quarter-finals, but the defeat means Australia exit the competition.
The Koreans inflicted the fatal wounds to Australia’s hopes in a spell-binding opening 45 minutes that ended with Kim’s side holding a two-goal advantage before effectively finishing off the job with a quarter of the game remaining with their third.
The 2016 runners-up were the sharper of the two teams in the first half, with Yoon Seung-won warming Paul Izzo’s hands just 11 minutes into the game with an attempt from long range before Lee put his side in front seven minutes later.
Han Seung-gyu pulled down a high ball inside the Australian penalty before turning Izzo, only for his attempt at goal to be cleared off the line by Thomas Deng. But Lee slotted home the loose ball.