Son Heung-min Sends South Korea to Asian Cup Semi-Finals With Fabulous Free-Kick Winner Against Australia

Son Heung-min played a leading role as South Korea beat Australia 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup. Son scored the winning goal from a free-kick.

Son Heung-min produced a superb captain's performance to send South Korea to the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals at the expense of Australia.

Australia took the lead thanks to a sweet volley by Craig Goodwin just before half-time and held that advantage until way beyond the 90-minute mark.

But South Korea - just as they had against Saudi Arabia in the round of 16 - equalized deep into added time.

Hibs defender Lewis Miller fouled Son inside the 18-yard box and the resultant penalty was emphatically converted by Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan.

Son then completed the turnaround in the first period of extra time when he found the net from a fine whipped free-kick.

HEUNG-MIN SON IS HIM. 😤 pic.twitter.com/81hROEDPB3

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 2, 2024

Australia ended Friday's quarter-final with 10 men after Aiden O'Neill was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Hwang just before half-time in extra time.

Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son has now scored three goals in five games for South Korea at this year's Asian Cup.

He will be hoping to add to that tally on Tuesday when South Korea and Jordan face off for a place in next Saturday's final.

Highlights: Australia 1-2 South Korea (AET)

Son Heung-min pictured celebrating after scoring a match-winning free-kick goal for South Korea against Australia in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup on Friday :: IMAGO/Sebastian Frej