As in the round of 16 against Saudi Arabia, Jürgen Klinsmann’s players, led by the Socceroos since the 42nd minute, came very close to elimination. But as against the Saudis, they snatched the equalizer at the end of added time on a penalty converted by Hwang Hee-chan (90 6) – their fourth goal in added time in five matches played since the start of the competition – before to reach the last four thanks to a free kick from Son Heung-min, the Tottenham scorer, during extra time (104th). In the semi-final, South Korea will face Jordan, who defeated Tajikistan (0-1) earlier.
In the last two quarters, scheduled for Saturday, Japan will face Iran and Qatar, host nation and defending champion, will face the White Wolves of Uzbekistan.