Substitute James Troisi struck in extra-time to hand Australia their first Asian Cup success after a 2-1 win over Korea Republic in Saturday’s dramatic final in Sydney.
The host nation were 1-nill up shortly before half-time courtesy of a Massimo Luongo effort from long range. The Socceroos were headed for a historic success, but for Son Heungmin’s stoppage time leveler to force the game into extra-time.
Troisi was in hand to collect a goalkeeper Kim Jinhyeon clearance off Kim Jinsu’s cross and drive the ball into the roof of the net as Australia claimed their first title since switching lane from Oceania nine years ago.
Socceroos Wins Dramatic Asian Cup Final 2-1 Against North Korea. Image AFP/Getty.
It was a sweet revenge of their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Koreans in the group stage.
The Australians were on the back foot for most of the 45 minutes before midfielder Luongo broke the deadlock against the run of play with the last kick of the half.
Son’s moment of brilliance stunned the 76,000 crowd gathered at Stadium Australia seconds from full time, after the Taeguk Warriors superstar got on the edge of a clever flick by captain Ki Sungyueng to burst into space and fire past goalkeeper Mathew Ryan
Troisi provided the highlight of the match at the end of the opening quarter of extra-time to help Australia become the first hosts to lift the trophy since Japan in 1992.
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