Intro:

South Korea beat Iraq 2-0 to reach the final of Asian Cup after a gap of 27 years.

Script:

South Korea took on Iraq in the first semi-final of the Asian Cup in Sydney on Monday.

The two teams had met at the same stage in 2007 tournament where Iraq won on penalties and went on to lift the title in the final.

Under their German coach Uli Stielike, South Korea were yet to concede a goal in the tournament and almost began with a bang when their skipper Ki Sung
Yeung, just after two minutes, floated a superb cross into the area where Han Kyo Won's desperate dive narrowly missed the ball.

South Korea, had a great opportunity when Son Heung Min, the hero in their win against Uzbekistan in the quarter final, sent a fierce drive from outside the area that tested Iraq goal keeper Jalal Hassan.

South Korea then took the lead in the 20th minute - Kim Jin Su of Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, with a free kick where Lee Jeong Hyeop headed in.

Soon after the break, South Korea goal keeper Kim Jin Hyeon almost suffered a panic attack when he rushed out of his penalty area for an innocuous looking ball - though Alaa Abdulzehrea could not take advantage.

South Korea then doubled their lead in the 50th minute. Iraq failing to clear their lines off a corner kick from the far side and Lee Jeop Hyeop chested the ball down for Kim Young Gwan to score.

South Korea held on to win 2-0 and make it to the final of the Asian Cup for the first time since 1988.

Iraq will play in the 3/4th play-off