Jinhyung takes Korea to semis

Defending champions Korea Republic sailed through to the semi-finals of AFC Youth Championship, beating Australia 2-1 at Salt Lake stadium, in Kolkata, on Monday.

Midfielder Song Jinhyung scored both the goals for Korea, in the 10th and 36th minutes, through free-kicks, while Australia's goal was scored in the 17th minute.

Cashing in on a foul by an Australian defender, Korea went ahead in the 10th minute when Song Jinhyung took an excellent free-kick from outside the box to score one of the best goals of the tournament so far.

Aussie custodian Tando Velaphi dived in the right direction, but the shot was so powerful that he failed to reach the ball.

Australia, however, restored parity in the 17th minute when Christopher Grossman, on getting a pass from Bruce Djite, dribbled past two Korean defenders and launched a powerful shot that gave custodian Suhuk no chance.

The deadlock did not last long as Jinhyung scored the winning goal for Korea from yet another free-kick in the 36th minute. But the goal seemed more due to clumsy goalkeeping by the Australian custodian, who made a half-hearted attempt to clear the ball, than a good shot.

While the Aussies seemed to lose their way in the second half, the Koreans continued to press for another goal. They earned several chances, but failed to score despite Youngrok and Hyenseung being well-placed.