Australia break South Korean hearts as they clinch Asian Cup
Socceroos win their first regional title since jonning the AFC with dramatic, extra-time win over South Korea
Substitute James Troisi smashed home a dramatic extra-time winner as Australia beat South Korea 2-1 to win their first Asian Cup title in an electrifying final on Saturday.
Troisi broke Korean hearts with the very last kick in the first extra period after Son Heung-min had snatched a magical injury-time equaliser at the end of normal time.
It was a final, it never goes to script. It was tough, you’ve got to grind it out and the courage the players showed tonight was enormous
Australia’s triumph - in front of a 76,385-strong crowd, the biggest for a soccer game in Australia - gave them a first title since defecting from Oceania nine years ago, while South Korea’s anguish continued after they failed to break a hoodoo in the tournament stretching back to 1960.
“It was a super effort from everyone,” said Australia coach Ange Postecoglou. “It was a final, it never goes to script. It was tough, you’ve got to grind it out and the courage the players showed tonight was enormous.
“I knew we’d finish stronger,” he added, before shaking the hands of the Korean players.
“We pride ourselves on being very fit and it was just a matter of taking our chance. I’m super-proud of them. Hopefully from now on, us Aussies can take on the world because I have a real belief in these guys.”