South Korea send Saudis crashing out of Asian Cup via penalty kicks

South Korea prevailed 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to progress to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Asian Cup after their round of 16 clash ended 1-1 following extra time at Education City Stadium.

Cho Gue-Sung equalised for South Korea in second-half stoppage time to cancel out Abdullah Radif’s opener for Saudi Arabia. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo then dramatically saved two Saudi spot-kicks from Sami Al-Najei and Abdulrahman Ghareeb to send South Korea through.

South Korea efficiently converted all their penalties to set up a quarter-final date with defending champions Australia this Friday, with just two days to recover. Radif had given Saudi Arabia the lead barely 30 seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute.

However, Cho forced extra time by heading in an equaliser in the 99th minute as South Korea’s late pressure paid dividends. With penalties looming, Saudi Arabia then capitulated under the strain.

South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann rued his side’s failure to top their group, which led to this challenging last-16 match-up. However, he believes his team will harness the spirit from this victory to recover and beat Australia, who cruised past Indonesia 4-0 in their round of 16 clash.