Korea Republic men’s national team have been eliminated in the Asian Cup semi-finals by Jordan.
 

Jurgen Klinsmann’s side lost 2-0 against Jordan in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup semi-final staged at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday, failing to recover from second-half goals by Yazan Al Naimat and Mousa Tamari.
 

The result put an abrupt end to Korea Republic’s quest for glory as they sought to claim the continental championship after a 64-year drought. The Taegeuk Warriors also lost against the Jordanians for the first time after three wins and three draws in six previous encounters.


 

Korea Republic almost drew first blood after 19 minutes, when Jung Seunghyun put Son Heungmin through on goal with only Yazeed Abdulaila to beat. The captain found the net with a clever lob over the goalkeeper, only to be ruled offside when he had received the long ball from behind.
 

Jordan soon fought back after 26 minutes, as Al Naimat tested Jo Hyeonwoo with an effort from the left side of the area. Moments later, Tamari intercepted the ball from Kim Younggwon before curling it just wide of the upright.
 

The match was wide open midway through the first half, before Korea Republic grabbed a golden opportunity on 29 minutes. Seol Youngwoo exchanged passes with Hwang Heechan to break into the left side of the box, only to be brought down by Yazan Al Arab. The referee initially awarded a penalty for the challenge, before cancelling the decision following a brief on-field review.
 

At the opposite end, Jordan launched a series of counterattacks orchestrated by their fleet-footed forwards. On 42 minutes, Al Naimat dribbled past defenders on the right side of the area to shoot straight at Jo Hyeonwoo, before Noor Al Rawabdeh latched onto the rebound only to be denied by the backheel of the custodian.


 

After a goalless first half, it was the Jordanians that took the lead after the interval. Tamari capitalised on a mistake by Park Yongwoo before putting Al Naimat through on goal with only Jo Hyeonwoo to beat. The latter converted the chance with a clinical finish over the keeper to put his side ahead.
 

Klinsmann responded by replacing Park with Cho Guesung in an attempt to reinforce the attack on 56 minutes, as Son Heungmin moved into the flanks with Lee Kangin operating as a central midfielder.

However, Korea Republic fell further behind four minutes later, when Tamari slalomed past defenders and into the edge of the area to curl the ball past desperate hands of Jo Hyeonwoo.
 

The Taegeuk Warriors geared up to reduce the deficit but struggled to break into the stubborn rearguard of Jordan. Lee Kangin failed to connect with a neat pass by Son Heungmin under pressure from Mohammad Abu Hasheesh on 70 minutes. Jeong Wooyeong and Yang Hyunjun then came off the bench as Korea Republic surged forward, but it proved too little, too late to avoid the stunning defeat.

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023

Semi-finals

Korea Republic 0-2 Jordan

Goals: Yazan Al Naimat 53’, Mousa Tamari 66’

KOR: Jo Hyeonwoo, Seol Youngwoo, Kim Younggwon, Jung Seunghyun, Kim Taehwan, Park Yongwoo (Cho Guesung 56’), Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung (Jeong Wooyeong 81’), Hwang Heechan (Yang Hyunjun 81’), Lee Kangin, Son Heungmin