South Korea-Japan, Australia-Uzbekistan semifinals on tap

• by Soccer America , Jan 23, 2011

[ASIAN CUP] Yoon Bit-Garam's overtime goal gave South Korea a 1-0 win over Iran and moved it into Tuesday's semifinals of the Asian Cup against archrival Japan. Australia's Socceroos also needed an overtime goal, from Harry Kewell, to dispose of defending champion Iraq, 1-0, on Saturday and move into the final four against Uzbekistan.

South Korea's win over Iran was a repeat of their match four years ago in the quarterfinals. The match marked the fifth straight time South Korea and Iran have met in the quarterfinals.

The star of the quarterfinals was Borussia Dortmund sensation Shinji Kagawa, who scored Japan's first two goals and set up Masahiko Inoha for a last-minute goal in its 3-2 win over host Qatar.

Uzbekistan beat Jordan, 2-1 thanks to a pair of goals by Ulugbek Bakaev to complete the final four.