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Australia leads South Korea 1-0 in Asian Cup final first half

Xinhua, January 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

Massimo Luongo's brilliant shot helped hosts Australia lead South Korea 1-0 in the AFC Asian Cup final match first half here on Saturday.

Australia controlled a slow build-up as they aimed to get past a well organized South Korea defense, while South Korea tried to get in behind the Socceroos using a variety of long balls.

Jedinak's freekick in the ninth minute almost broke the deadlock, only saw the ball narrowly missed the target.

South Korea also created a chance in the 23rd minute when Nam Tae-hee's freekick found Kwak Tae-hwi in the box, but his header went wide.

Son Heung-Min tested Australia's defence in the 37th minute with an exquisite side volley that just missed over the bar.

Luongo opened the scoring for the Socceroos in the 43rd minute with a brilliant shot in the box after receiving a beautiful pass from Trent Sainsbury.

This match is the third AFC Asian Cup meeting between the two nations. South Korea were unbeaten in the previous two (one win and one draw).

South Korea are aiming to win their third AFC Asian Cup title, but their first in 55 years (1956 and 1960).

Australia were beaten finalists at Qatar 2011 when the Socceroos lost 1-0 to Japan after extra-time. Endi