South Korea power into quarters
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-28 06:15

Striker Lee Dong-gook scored twice in the first half as South Korea crushed Kuwait 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup yesterday.

South Korea, who failed to impress in their first two games, finished on top of Group B with seven points and will next play the runners-up of Group D, likely to be Iran.

In another action, Jordan completed a scoreless draw with the United Arab Emirates but still advanced into the quarter-finals as the second-placed team in the group behind South Korea.

Lee put South Korea in front in the 25th minute, curling a free kick past Kuwait goalkeeper Shehab Kankone from the edge of the box.

Four minutes before halftime, he made it 2-0 from close range after latching on to a cross from Park Jin-sub to make him the top scorer at the Asian Cup with three goals.

German-based forward Cha Du-ri thumped in a third goal from 25 metres in first-half injury time to put the result beyond doubt.

Substitute Ahn Jung-hwan added a fourth in the 76th minute, crashing home a right-foot shot from 30 metres to complete the rout against 1980 champions.

South Korea have not won the Asian Cup since 1960.

Jordan march on

In Beijing Workers' Stadium, Jordan cruised into the quarter-finals after a scoreless draw with the UAE.

Jordan's King Abdullah, who was wearing a national team shirt, watched the decisive match on the spot and was warmly welcomed by Chinese fans and his nation's supporters.

The King's appearance proved enough for Jordan, who made an achievement in reaching the last eight on their first appearance at the tournament, as South Korea crushed Kuwait 4-0 in the other Group B match.

"The King also came to see our training yesterday. It is a big support to our players. We are glad the we have made such an achievement," said a Jordanian assistant coach.

Jordan is second in Group B with five points behind South Korea with seven. They will face the teams of Group D, either Japan or Iran.

Both sides had several chances in the first half but had to settle for an uninspiring scoreless result.

UAE had some advantages early in the first half as Salem Khamis in the 11th minute dribbled past two Jordan's defenders and seemed to be tackled down in the box, but his fall was deemed illegal and he was shown the yellow card by the referee.

Khamis came back again just one minute later as he volleyed the ball over the crossbar.

In the 14th minute, Sultan Rashed earned a free kick chance for UAE but Basheer Saeed kicked a low shot wide over the post.

Jordan bounced back later and had two chances in 20th and 25th minute. Khaled Sa'ed's shot and a Badram's header just missed the target.

The best chance for Jordan came in injury time as Abu Zema blasted the ball from the edge of penalty area and but was stopped by UAE's goalkeeper Waleed Salem.

Both teams were battling for midfield supremacy in the second half but the forwards of two teams never managed to create serious scoring opportunities again.

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