The 2020 champions took the lead in the first half through Baek Ga-on, with Luka Jovanovic equalising. Korea Republic, however, continued to press and were rewarded with Shin Min-ha’s 89th minute winner as they sealed a return to the semi-finals after missing out in the previous two editions.
“I’m extremely grateful to all the players for the way they stayed strong and pushed through a very difficult match,” said Lee. “We focused on exploiting the space behind Australia and applying strong pressure in midfield and those plans worked really well. .....
𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙚: 𝙊𝙉!
— #AFCU23 (@afcasiancup) January 17, 2026
Smiles all around as 🇰🇷 Korea Republic reap the rewards of their quarter-final win!#AFCU23 | #AUSvKOR pic.twitter.com/ObgGqYYVAa
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