AFC Asian Cup 2019: Abdelaziz Hatim's late goal ensures Qatar's remarkable victory over South Korea in quarter-final

Abu Dhabi: Abdelaziz Hatim fired a late winner as Qatar stunned title-chasing South Korea 1-0 to reach the Asian Cup semi-finals for the first time on Friday. [caption id=“attachment_5964081” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Qatar’s players celebrate their win against South Korea in their 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final match. AFP[/caption] South Korea were looking to end 59 years of hurt in the tournament but missed a string of second-half chances in Abu Dhabi before Hatim’s hammer blow after 78 minutes. It took the Koreans until three minutes into the second half to register a shot on target, Hwang Ui-jo forcing a low save from Saad Al-Sheeb from the edge of the box. Lee Chung-yong then blazed wide and captain Son Heung-min was denied by Al-Sheeb before Kim Jin-su’s free kick smacked against the post. That wastefulness came back to haunt them when Hatim smashed a long-range rocket past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to give the 2022 World Cup hosts a famous victory. Hwang thought he had equalised two minutes later, only to be given offside – a decision upheld by the video assistant referee. Qatar’s semi-final opponents will be either hosts United Arab Emirates or holders Australia, meeting in Al-Ain later on Friday.