Asian Cup 2015 Quarter Final 1 (South Korea vs Uzbekistan)

For the first time in history Australia is hosting the Asian Cup 2015 (soccer) matches around the country's stadiums. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra are the main capitals for the games. When South Korea was picked to play against Australia in Brisbane, it was the sea of Aussie fans in the stadium cheering for Socceroos. However South Korea scored the first goal in the full time so Socceroos were left behind to play against China.

South Korea soccer team was on top spot in their Group 1 division so their next game was against Uzbekistan on Thurs, 22nd Jan 2015. I bought the ticket through the website knowing South Korea will be coming to Melbourne to play for the Quarter Final 1 game at AAMI Park also known as Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. It was rather difficult to get a ticket at the Korean Support Group as it was all snapped up by the Red Devil fans. Ticket was reasonable at Row K at Seat 324 Aisle 18...I was at the Family Area where no one is supposed to bring in any alcohol to this area. As I arrived at the stadium, I was swarmed with Koreans all donned in red colour t-shirts, Taeguk flags and banners. They do come all in full force!

Sea of Red Devil fans in the supporting group of Korea

Though I had a good spot at the Family Area but heck! I was not too far from the Uzbekistan support group where I could hear them banging their drums and cheering so loud. I should be sitting at the opposite site. Damn! The were about 20,000 fans in the AAMI stadium watching this game...mostly Aussies who sort of regretted to buy the tickets in advance with high hopes that Socceroos would play the Quarter final in Melbourne but now they were stuck to watch Korea and Uz. You never know.... haha!

The first 90 minutes was a bit of drag though both teams have their equal opportunity for shots and goals but it was missed! I jumped up a few times when midfield/striker Captain Ki Seung Yung had his chance to score the goal from the corner kick but he missed it! The crowd roared whenever each team approaches to the opposite goal keeper. There was extra time of another 1/2 hour so I am keeping my hopes real hight that at least South Korea should score a goal. Indeed the Taeguk Warriors scored their first goal right before my very eyes. Yes! I jumped with joy and shouted but felt bad coz the surrounding people had that forlorn look. Too bad!

Then again the Korea team dribble around the ball hoping to score and it proved some difficulty to tackle Uz's football star Nesterov who had his chances. Lucky for goalkeeper Kim Jin Hyeon who defended his net very well. The crowd went oooo....uuuu...I don't know what that means. I sat really at the wrong area! I should have booked somewhere else instead!

And again before I could even text something on my mobile phone, again striker Son Heung Min strikes the 2nd goal and that was it! South Korea has won the game! YES!!!

Uzbekistan had all their chances to score their goals but Kim Jin Hyeon was perfect to stop all from going into his net. The Aussies and locals immediately got off their seats and left the stadium knowing South Korea defeated Uzbekistan. 

                          

Man of the Night! Fowarder Son Heung Min scoring the 2 goals having his interview.

It was a happy night for the Red Devils supporters and they congratulated them after the game. I stayed back a while to catch a glimpse of the players waving to them for support. The players ran around the field to thank the fans and supporters. Unfortunately I didn't see their Captain Ki Seung Yung as he was injured earlier. Nevertheless it was great to see the Taeguk warriors deserved the respect and won the game. 

And here's the mascot for the Australian Asian Cup 2015- Nutmeg. He's a wombat! 
He's quite distorted looking wombat...doesn't look that cute but kids love him!
Nutmeg has his own dance-time on the field but he was only dancing near the Uzbekistan support group. 

For the Korean team- the two young budding players to lookout for is Swansea's midfielder Ki SY and Bayer Leverkusen's forwader Son HM. If these 2 men keep the national team afloat with the wins, they might create history again in 2015. 

Congratulations to the South Korea soccer team for winning the game and all the best to them in the coming matches advancing to Semi Final! Let's hope they keep winning to the Finals! :D