Korea loses to Saudi Arabia, 1-2

"Lady Luck wasn't with us."

Korea simply could not overcome the Middle Easter powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

At the semifinal match of the 12th Asian Cup on Oct. 27 at the Beirut Sports Stadium in Lebanon, the Korean team lost the match due to inferiority in physical stamina and defense instability to Saudi Arabian team on their way to possible fourth championship.

With the loss, Korea also has lost the opportunity to reclaim the championship since the loss in 1960. Korea is scheduled for a match Oct. 29 to determine the third- and fourth-place teams.

Korea's chronic defensive meltdown seems to have played an evil hand in the defeat. Immediately after the start of the second half, the Korean team suffered physical fatigue and began to be dominated by the Saudi Arabian team. Saudi players, who excel individually at one-on-one plays, cut through the faltering defense of the Korean team and made their surprise shots deep into the penalty kick area.

From the middle of second-half, the Saudi Arabian team dominated the game, and 32 minutes into the second half, Saudi's Al Dosari cut through the Korean defense and headed for the right to center the ball to Al Meshal, who obtained the first goal with a head bunt. Four minutes later, Al Meshal dribbled the ball to the left of the penalty kick area then rushed past Lee Woon-Jae of GK for a goal to clinch the victory.

Seconds before the end of the game, Lee Dong-Guk made a goal, preventing an embarrassing shutout.

Yang Jong-Koo yjongk@donga.com