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After South Korea’s Friday heroics, Iran staged their own dramatic comeback against Japan on Saturday to advance to the Asian Cup semifinals. After going down a goal in the first half a second half goal followed by a stoppage time penalty delivered the comeback victory and sent Japan. That was followed up by hosts Qatar advancing on penalties over Uzbekistan.
That followed South Korea’s dramatic come from behind win on Friday. One round after a stoppage time goal to equalize against Saudi Arabia, followed by a win on penalties, South Korea once again rescued victory late on. It took a second-half stoppage time penalty, won by Heung-Min Son and converted by Hee-Chan Hwang to tie the match at 1-1. Then it was Son who delivered the game winning strike in the added periods to deliver the win.
The action is taking place in Qatar where the nation is hosting the AFC Asian Cup for the third time. The tournament got underway on Jan. 12 when the hosts defeated Lebanon in the opener and now with the tournament through the group stage, it’s time for the serious clashes to begin. The round of 16 began Jan. 28 with Australia crushing Indonesia 4-0. All the pre-tournament favorites, including Japan, South Korea, and Iran have made it through to the final eight and they’re joined by some underdogs like Jordan who defeated Tajikistan to qualify for their first ever trip to the semifinals.
While historically the tournament has been held during the summer, due to the heat in the country, the tournament was moved to the winter of 2024, similarly to the scheduling when the nation held the 2022 World Cup. As a result, clubs will be without key players for the 18th edition of the tournament.
Bracket
Dates and how to watch
Schedule
All times Eastern
Quarterfinals
Feb. 2
Tajikistan 0, Jordan 1
Australia 1, South Korea 2
Feb. 3
Iran 2, Japan 1
Qatar 1 Uzbekistan 1 (Qatar advance 3-2 on penalties)
Semifinals
Feb….
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