Hosts South Korea overcame fierce rivals Japan 1-0 in a feisty Asian Games quarter-final on Sunday thanks to a late penalty from captain Jang Hyun-Soo that triggered wild celebrations.
The Koreans, looking to end a 28-year title drought, play Thailand in the last four after finally breaking down Japan’s stubborn resistance in front of 43,000 raucous fans in Incheon, many wearing flashing “Red Devils” horns.
Jang calmly tucked away a spot kick in the 88th minute after substitute Lee Jong-Ho had been clattered from behind and left with blood pouring from his nose.
As the stadium erupted with unbridled joy, match-winner Jang sprinted to the bench where he was mobbed by team-mates.
“A few of the players were feeling the pressure tonight,” South Korea coach Lee Kwang-Jong told reporters, a long sigh of relief as he entered his news conference speaking volumes.
“We need to show more composure in front of goal. The players must stay calm. Games are coming thick and fast and we’re picking up a few injuries, but we can’t use that as an excuse.”
South Korea’s players will be excused two years of mandatory military service if they win the tournament, which is played under the same under-23 format as the Olympics.
Thailand beat Jordan 2-0 earlier to set up a meeting with South Korea, who threw everything but the kitchen sink at defending champions Japan but lacked end product.
Matches between South Korea and Japan are often politically charged given the historical animosity between the two countries.
Korean player Park Jong-woo inflamed a diplomatic row over a territorial dispute by waving a political flag after their 2-0 win in the 2012 Olympic bronze medal game.
Sunday’s contest was free from controversy, however, despite some full-blooded tackles from both sides.
Kim Young-uk missed a point-blank header and Lee Yong-Jae had a shot cleared off the line in the first half, before Lee Jong-Ho also had an effort blocked on the line as South Korea piled on the pressure after the break.
Japan coach Makoto Teguramori failed to mask his frustration after a rash challenge from skipper Ryota Oshima two minutes from time gave the referee a simple decision.
“It’s hard to swallow,” said Teguramori. “The Koreans showed real power but they had put so much into it that I felt if we could hold out until extra time, they might start to tire. It’s a waste to give away a penalty like that,” he added, shaking his head.
Japan were testing a young side in preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympic qualifiers and the gulf in class showed against a South Korea squad featuring three wildcard selections who were part of the country’s World Cup set-up this year.
Korean coach Lee decided not to risk beanpole striker Kim Shin-Wook, who is still recovering from a calf injury, but he could return for Tuesday’s semi-final against the Thais.
North Korea take on Iraq in the other semi-final.