18 Jan 2015

South Korea upset Australia at Asian Cup

6:58 am on 18 January 2015

Hosts Australia have lost their final pool match at football's Asian Cup 1-0, to South Korea in Brisbane.

The Koreans top their group and secure a potentially easier path to the final, while the Socceroos now face a possible semi-final against defending champions Japan.

The hosts now play China in the quarter-finals on Thursday, also in Brisbane.

Wellington Phoenix striker Nathan Burns started and played 70 minutes, almost scoring when he weaved his way past two defenders and into the box only to see his shot saved.

Nathan Burns

Nathan Burns Photo: Photosport

But the only goal came from Korean striker Lee Jeong-hyeop right on the 32nd minute mark, his score perfectly executed to give his team a surprise lead - then the Koreans held on against a wave of Australian attacks to clinch the victory.

The win meant South Korea finished at the top of the Group A standings with three wins and will play either Uzbekistan or Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals.

As Group A runners-up, Australia will play the Group B winners China with the defending champions Japan lurking as a possible semi-finalist.