Why Socceroos’ path to Asian glory will never be easier as $42m star out to ruin Aussie dream

Nine years ago, Stadium Australia provided the stage for one of the greatest moments in Australian footballing history.

The Socceroos had reached the Asian Cup final for the first time ever, with the added benefit of being roared on by ferocious home support.

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Their opponents that day? South Korea.

History will show it was the Ange Postecoglou-led Socceroos who emerged victorious, with a James Troisi strike in extra time proving the difference.

It was the first continental triumph in Asia for the Socceroos and a landmark moment in Australian football.

For South Korea, the defeat meant its agonising wait for a first Asian Cup triumph since 1960 — a tournament which featured only four teams and 80-minute games — rumbled on.

In the early hours of Saturday, the two nations will collide for the 29th time in the quarterfinal of the 2023 Asian Cup, as South Korea looks to banish the demons of 2015.

And, in a cruel twist for the Socceroos, one of their own could be the architect of its downfall in Qatar.

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South Korea’s road to the final eight at this Asian Cup has been far from smooth.

Jurgen Klinsmann took over managerial duties from Paulo Bento last February but his tenure has been dogged by large swells of criticism from South Korea.

The German