Qatar’s Abdulaziz Hatem scored with a stunning late strike to send the 2022 World Cup hosts to their first Asian Cup semi-final – and hand Mauricio Pochettino an unexpected boost in the process.
South Korea’s shock defeat means that Son Heung-min will be heading back from the Gulf sooner than expected – and could feasibly feature for Tottenham in Wednesday’s Premier League game against Watford.
Hatem’s goal came out of the blue in the 78th minute, the defensive midfielder firing past South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu with his left foot to settle a largely drab contest at Zayed Sport City in Abu Dhabi.
South Korea poured forward to try and rescue the match but were unable to produce an equaliser as the Qataris advanced to face holders Australia or hosts the United Arab Emirates for a place in the final.
“We’ve achieved something special today, this is history for us,” said coach Felix Sánchez. “We played a great game, the players made a huge effort and we achieved something great for our country. I’m the happiest coach in the world.”
Pre-tournament favourites South Korea bowed out before the semi-finals for the first time since 2004 and continued their long wait for an Asian Cup title. Traditionally one of the continent’s strongest sides at World Cups, they have not lifted the trophy since 1960.
After a forgettable first half, Qatar came out with more attacking intent in the second but were almost immediately caught on the break, with Hwang Ui-jo forcing a save out of Saad Al Sheeb.
As the game opened up Son, who had looked fatigued since joining the South Korean squad for their third group game, started to impose his influence. His low drive forced a save from Saad in the 72nd minute, before a decoy run made space for Kim Jin-su to hit the outside of the post from a free kick.
Just when it looked like the Koreans might be getting on top, though, the ball broke for Hatem in midfield and he fired it into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. Hwang had the ball in the back of the opposite net two minutes later but was ruled offside, a decision confirmed by the VAR.
• Match report on UAE v Australia will follow