An Australian team comprised largely of second-stringers saw their canter though the group stage of the Asian Cup halt thanks to a 1-0 loss to South Korea in Brisbane on Friday night.
Tim Cahill of the New York Red Bulls, along with fellow regular attackers Matthew Leckie and Robbie Kruse were second-half substitutes with the Socceroos having clinched advancement to the quarters thanks to commanding wins in the first two group stage games. Veteran midfielder Mark Bresciano and team captain Mile Jedinak went unused, as head coach Ange Postecoglou opted to rest many of his key players.
Australia controlled play for large swathes of the game in spite of the somewhat experimental squad, but their inexperience in attack showed as South Korea put the clamps on.
The game-winner came in the 33rd minute via Lee Jung-Hyup, who ghosted between the Australian central defenders to slot past 'keeper Matthew Ryan. Neither Cahill, who came on for the final half hour, nor any of his attacking mates could find an equalizer.
Friday's result gave South Korea the top spot in Group A, setting them up for a quarterfinal match-up against the as yet undetermined Group B runners-up. Australia are now set for a date with China, who have clinched the top spot in Group B.
Columbus Crew SC attacker Justin Meram and Iraq face Palestine on Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the final match of the group stage.
