Australia defeat South Korea in Asian Cup final

By Mark Langshaw, Reporter | 31 January 2015

Australia see off South Korea in extra time to claim the Asian Cup.

Australia have been crowned Asian Cup champions after defeating South Korea 2-1 in the final.

The Socceroos needed extra time to see off their opponents, with James Troisi emerging as the hero by netting the decisive goal in the 105th minute.

Australia's captain Mile Jedinak holds up the AFC Asian Cup football trophy after beating South Korea at Stadium Australia in Sydney on January 31, 2015 © Getty Images

Australia took the lead on the stroke of half time when Trent Sainsbury lined up Massimo Luongo for a shot 25 yards out, and the Swindon Town man broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion.

South Korea, who defeated the Aussies in the group stage, were trailing for much of the remainder, but Son Heung-min's dramatic strike in the 92nd minute forced extra time.

The tempo dropped in extra time as both sets of players began to tire, but it was Australia who dug deepest.

Tomi Juric's ball into the box was only cleared as far as Troisi, and the Zulte Waregem star rifled a winner into the roof of the net to settle the contest and send the home support at the Stadium Australia into raptures.