South Korea won a gruelling and fluctuating epic 4-2 duel on penalties against Iran yesterday to set up an Asian Cup semi-final with Iraq.

The shoot-out became the circuit-breaker after both teams had played themselves to a standstill over the regulation 90 minutes and 30 minutes' extra time without scoring a goal.

The Koreans held their nerve with their veteran goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae proving the hero when he saved efforts from Mehdi Mahdavikia and Rasoul Khatibi to great acclaim from the chanting Korean supporters.

It was the second quarter-final at the tournament to go to a shoot-out after Japan knocked out Australia 4-3 on penalties in Hanoi on Saturday.

South Korean players celebrate after winning against Iran during their 2007 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final match in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Reuters
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"Clearly I am very, very proud of the boys. It was very hard against strong opposition," said Korea's Dutch coach Pim Verbeek, who singled out their spirit for praise.

"Mentally we were very strong. I've never seen a Korea team not play with spirit - that's why it is a pleasure for me to work with them."

While ecstatic, Verbeek knows plenty of hard work remains with just two days to recover from the energy-sapping match before facing Iraq here on Wednesday.

"We have nothing with a semi-final, we must go for the final," he said.

It was huge relief for South Korea, who had been beaten twice in their three previous quarter-finals with Iran at the Asian Cup.

South Korea twice won the Asian Cup in the early years of the tournament in 1960 and 1964. Despite finals appearances in 1972, 1980 and 1988, the team has yet to add another trophy.

In the final minute of extra-time Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei switched goalkeepers with Vahid Talebloo coming on for Rodbarian as he planned his strategy for the penalty shoot-out.

Ultimately, it was 34-year-old Lee, who has played more than 100 times for his country and was a vital part of their run to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals, who became a national hero with his heroics in the shootout.

Later yesterday, Saudi Arabia sneaks into the semi-finals after beating Uzbekistan 2-1.

(China Daily via AFP July 23, 2007)