Saudi Arabia, Japan in semifinals

BEIRUT, OCT. 25. A spectacular golden goal by midfielder Nawaf al-Temyat gave the holder, Saudi Arabia, a thrilling 3-2 win over Kuwait on Tuesday and a place in the Asian Cup semifinals.

An unstoppable 20-metre drive by Temyat 18 minutes into extra time-his second goal of the match-took Saudi Arabia into the last-four. Saudi Arabia, which has won the Asia Cup three times before, will meet South Korea in the semifinals on Thursday. South Korea has won the title two times before.

The favourite here, Japan, thrashed Iraq 4-1 earlier to set up a clash against China, also in two days.

The Saudi-Kuwait game burst into life less than a minute into the second half when Temyat fired home a low shot from a pass from Sami Jaber.

Bashar Abdullah equalised in the 61st minute with the goal of the match. He brought down a long ball from midfield just inside the penalty area and turned brilliantly to rifle the ball into the roof of the net.

Substitute Jassem al-Houwaidi put Kuwait ahead in the 67th minute, three minutes after coming on. He was found unmarked at the penalty spot by Abdullah before slamming the ball home.

Saudi Arabia was level five minutes later when substitute Talal al-Meshal slipped the ball between the keeper's legs after dribbling past Kuwaiti defender Jamal Mubarak.

For the remainder of regulation play and extra-time, the Saudis dominated with the Kuwaiti players looking increasingly tired. - Reuters

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Ganguly back in opener's role
Next     : Dhanraj Pillay to play in Malaysian league