[VIDEO] South Korea vs Iraq: 2015 Asian Cup semi-final live scores, blog, highlights

MATCH RESULT

South Korea will play for the 2015 Asian Cup after a 2-0 Semi-Final win over Iraq in Sydney.

South Korea started the game in a dominant fashion, and they consolidated that dominance in the 20th minute with a goal from Lee Jung-Hyup.

The goal seemed to kick-start Iraq, as they started to play themselves into the game in the latter stages of the first half, and were unlucky not to equalize. Younes Mahmoud in particular had a great chance in the last few minutes of the half, but he failed to read a good cross in with an open goal beckoning.

South Korea started the Second Half in similar fashion to the first, and it was only 5 minutes before their lead was doubled through Kim Young-Gwon.

Iraq fought bravely in this match, but it was their lack of polish around their attacking area that did them in tonight. They deserved a goal in this clash.

South Korea continue their clean-sheet in the tournament, but their defence didn’t look great at times tonight. They may have a harder time keeping their sheet clean in Saturday’s Final.

MATCH PREVIEW

Only four teams remain in the 2015 Asian Cup, and that number will become three as South Korea take on Iraq in the first semi-final. Join The Roar for live scores and commentart from 8:00pm (AEDT).

South Korea have been arguably the form team of the competition so far, coming into this semi-final with four wins in the bank.

After topping Group A with three wins, a 2-0 quarter final victory over Uzbekistan saw the South Koreans through to this stage of the competition. South Korea are still yet to concede a goal at this tournament.

Iraq have had a much harder path to this semi-final, but they are certainly no less deserving. Runners up in Group D, Iraq beat neighbours Iran in the match of the tournament so far to book their spot next to South Korea.

Considering their quarter final went the distance on Friday evening, fitness may become an issue in this match-up.

As mentioned before, South Korea already have the advantage of the extra days break. Although both of these teams went to extra time in their quarter finals; the Koreans are an extremely fit squad, and should have no issues backing up for this one.

Iraq will need a similar gameplan (and performance) to their victory against Iran if they want a result in this one. South Korea (like Iran) shows a very disciplined defensive game, one that could be tough for the Iraqis to break down.

If Iraq repeat the offensive performance they showed against Iran, they’re a real chance of springing an upset.

South Korea most likely will dominate the possession numbers in this clash, so Iraq will need to play some stout defence of their own at times. South Korea shouldn’t lack in opportunities, so the key to this game will most likely be Iraq’s defensive performance.

It comes down to two key guys for South Korea: Ki Sung-Yueng and Son Heung-Min. Ki is the midfield general for the Korean side, whilst Son will provide an extremely dangerous attacking option in their offensive third. Iraq will need to curb their influence in this match to have any chance of progressing.

Yaser Kasim has arguably been Iraq’s best performer so far, and one wouldn’t expect any drop in performance from the Swindon Town man. Kasim is the key cog in the midfield for Iraq, and a good performance from him will bring out the best of the Iraqi squad.

Although any game at this stage of a tournament is hard to predict, there is a clear favourite here. South Korea should have too much firepower for Iraq.

Prediction: South Korea 2-1