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[VIDEO] Socceroos vs Korea Republic highlights: 2015 Asian Cup scores, blog

Roar Guru
17th January, 2015
Venue: Brisbane Stadium
Time: 8.00pm AEDT
History: Played 5, Korea Republic 2 wins, Australia 1 win, 2 draws
Last meeting: 0-0 , 2013 East Asian Cup
TV: Live Fox Sports, Delay ABC
Betting: Australia $1.95, Draw $3.25, Korea Republic $4.50
Mathew Leckie struggled once again in his defensive duties as a wing-back. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Roar Guru
17th January, 2015
121
7154 Reads

Match result

Game over: Korea Republic 1 Australia 0

Australia can only blame themselves here. After a slow opening, Australia had the better of the overall contest and dominated the second half big time. Wasteful finishing by Kruse, Juric and Troisi though stops the Socceroos from securing a much needed win or draw that would have seen them top the group. South Korea scored a scrappy goal to say the least but were dangerous in the second half on the break, especially with Heung-Min on the park. South Korea top the group and travel to Melbourne. Australia stay in Brisbane to take on China. They will start favourites but the Socceroos need to work on their finishing if they hope to lift the Asian Cup.

Match preview

Korea Republic are yet to truly click at the Asian Cup but could save their best performance for last when they clash against the Socceroos at Brisbane Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8.00pm AEDT.

Australia and South Korea are already through to the knockout stages of the tournament but first spot in the group will be decided tonight in front of an expected crowd of 50,000 fans.

After a worrying start against Kuwait where they conceded a goal inside eight minutes, the Socceroos have since never looked back, scoring eight unanswered goals to storm to the top of group A.

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Convincing wins over Kuwait and Oman however were expected. The pressure is still on Ange Postecoglou’s men to make at least the final of the Asian Cup on home soil and a match-up against Korea Republic will provide fans with a good idea of whether or not the Socceroos have what it takes to become Asia’s best football nation.

So far, the signs have been good but South Korea are undefeated themselves and should be expected to turn up with their best form on such a big stage, especially after their coach Uli Stielike declared the Koreans no hope of beating Australia.

In terms of line-ups, Australia’s defence could be set for a reshuffle with Jason Davidson and Aziz Behich competing for the left-back position. Matthew Spiranovic meanwhile could be rested given that he is on a yellow card. With this in mind, Alex Wilkinson could replace him in the starting side.

Upfront, Nathan Burns and Tommy Oar may find themselves starting tonight ahead of Mathew Leckie and Robbie Kruse. Leckie and Kruse have impressed so far but with the Socceroos needing only a draw to secure first place, Postecoglou may opt to rest two of his more dangerous attacking weapons.

Tim Cahill is another that may start the match on the sidelines after he was dangerously fouled against Oman. If Australia hope to win the Asian Cup, a fit and firing Cahill is a must.

While Australia start favourites, Korea Republic are a definite shot at winning this contest and topping the group, particularly if Bayer Leverkusen star Son Heung-Min is given space to wreck havoc.

Australia’s defence is yet to face a player of Heung-Min’s calibre and it will be interesting to see how they fare against one of the Bundesliga’s best players.

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With Heung-Min set for a big game, Korea Republic possess the better craftsman in midfield and that may be enough for them to cause an upset.

Korea Republic to win 2-1

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