LATE WINNER seals last semi-final spot! ｜ Australia - Korea Republic ｜ Highlights AFC U23 Asian Cup

With just one ticket to the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Semi-Finals remaining, Group D tabletoppers Australia go head-to-head with the runners-up from Group C, Korea Republic, in the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah. This is the third meeting in the competition between these two. Korea Republic winning the previous two, most recently back in the Semi-Finals in 2020. And off to a better start here, five minutes in, almost anyway. And the first shot towards goal by Gaon, taking advantage of a little bit of indecision at the back, especially from Stephen Hall in goal, scrambling to get back. Thankfully, he doesn't have to make the save with Gaon's efforts going up and over. Gaon again, though, in the 21st, and he's not missing this time. What a goal to open up the scoring. It's his first start in this year's competition, and it's his first ever goal at Under-23 level. What a way to get off the mark. Lovely floated ball over the top from Lee Hyun Yong, and Baik Gaon takes it first time on the volley to give Korea Republic a spectacular lead in this first half. Australia, with little to show so far, coming to life a little, though, in the 23rd minute. Aidan Simmons with the long-range efforts, looking for the far corner, dips nicely, but goes just wide. Korea Republic with a slender one-goal cushion at the break as we head into the second 45. Australia looking more like themselves in this second period of play. 51st minute, and the first chance produces their first goal of the game. Jed Drew with a fantastic solo run, lovely weight on the pass into the path of Luka Jovanovic, who scores his first Under-23 goal as well. The Adelaide United forward levelling things up, and it's game on again in this fourth quarterfinal. Australia, now the team in the driving seats, that goal putting confidence in their veins. A half-chance there for Marcus Younis. The substitute drives it hard and low, drags the efforts wide as we fast forward to the 86th minute now. Korea Republic caught in possession and nearly paid the price for it as well. Aidan Hammond pouncing onto the situation there, unable to get the shot off. Not enough on it, though, to get it past Hong Seong-min in goal. Into the closing minutes, and Korea Republic, from the dead ball situation, score what is surely the winner. 88th minute of play, Shin Min-hyuk pops up with the header. Stephen Hall caught stuck in the mud, and Korea Republic hold strong under immense pressure in the second half to snatch victory right at the death, and book their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup, while heartbroken Australia are left contemplating what might have been after giving it their all.