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Preview: South Korea seeking first Asian Cup title since 1960

Xinhua, January 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

South Korea are in a desperate hope of a first title since 1960 in the Asian Cup as they take on Iraq in Monday's semifinal at Stadium Australia.

South Korea reached the semifinals as Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Son Heung-min scored two extra-time goals in 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.

It was the Taeguk Tigers' third successive semifinal appearance, but they have a poor record in the Asian Cup, having not reached a final since 1988.

South Korea topped the group with three close victories, as key players Koo Ja Cheol and Lee Chung Yong had to return home with injuries during the group stage.

The squad also had to cope with a bout of illness which laid low Son Heung-min among others.

"It's not an excuse but we are missing two or three big players," South Korea coach Uli Stielike said. "No other team has had shown such mental strength and sacrifice as our boys."

South Korea are yet to concede a goal in four games at the tournament, but even that impressive statistic has failed to impress an impatient supporter base which is demanding the team to end the Asian Cup title drought that dates back to 1960.

Iraq, on the other hand, will continue their run as underdogs, hoping to repeat their fabulous 2007 miracle when Iraq defeated South Korea on penalties and then went on to lift the trophy.

Iraq came from a grueling battle for 120 minutes and penalty kicks. The win over Iran was greeted by wild celebrations in Baghdad and they are not lacking motivation.

The average age of Iraq is only 23, and the young squad has an influential leader, Younis Mahmoud, who scored against Iran.

Coach Radhi Shenaishil wished the veteran's experience of guiding the lineup to the 2007 Asian Cup title would help to build self-belief for Monday's game.

"We have a young squad and he is our leader. He is the type of player that opponents hate to play against," he said.

The prize awaiting the winner is a championship decider against either hosts Australia or the United Arab Emirates in Sydney on the last day of January. Endi