‘Zombie football’ keeps South Korea in hunt for elusive Asian Cup crown
It has been labelled “zombie football” because South Korea have scored four goals in second-half added time in five Asian Cup games. The never-say-die Taeguk Warriors have stumbled and shuffled towards the semi-finals, arms outstretched, reaching to lift the trophy for the first time since 1960. Just when you think you have them beaten, up pops Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan or Lee Kang-in.
The manager, Jürgen Klinsmann, seems to be happy to let his stars do their thing. “Son is a great leader and player and I trust his decisions,” said the German after the latest last-minute escape, a 2-1 win over Australia in the quarter-final that booked Tuesday’s game against Jordan. Fans also trust the captain while being unsure about the coach; for now, though, they are willing to go along for the ride and see where it ends.
The Taeguk Warriors have not impressed for the most part, drawing with Jordan and Malaysia in the group stage. When the latter took a second-half lead the sight of a smiling Klinsmann did not go down well. Without much apparent strategy or gameplan, Korea got past two powerhouses in Saudi Arabia and Australia in the knockout stages after being 90 seconds away from elimination against both.
The two ties played out in a similar way: Korea going a goal down and not really threatening until the latter stages. Against Saudi Arabia the equaliser – which had been coming – arrived in the 99th minute. Against Australia, where an equaliser looked less likely, it came three minutes earlier. As soon as both goals went in, however, Korea dominated and they won thanks to a penalty shootout against Saudi Arabia and a special Son free-kick against the Socceroos.
Next comes a reunion with Jordan, who were denied a group stage
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