A lot of credit should go to Kim Hak-bum's adjustments that he made at half-time too. After looking pretty shaky defensively the first half, it looked like the team settled in for the second and were playing in their side of the field for most of the game. Also, good call on subbing out Um WS at halftime as well. He was struggling, and I'm glad that the manager saw that and adjusted instead of being stubborn.
Automatic for the Kings of Asia. With that, we become the first nation to qualify for 9 straight olympic games for mens football. Seems like one else comes close in top end talent, consistency and mentality. The rest can suck it.
And I'll still be make the claim. There hasn't been a country in Asia that has been good from the 60s to now. All while producing the most talented players in the continent and qualifying for every major tournament.
Why Korea haven't won the Asian Cup for as long as they have is a question no one can really answer. (Though Korea didn't even take the Asian Cup that seriously prior to the 2011 tournament.) Its akin to the Dallas Cowboys last having won the Super Bowl in 24 years ago or the Toronto Maple Leafs not winning the Cup since 67'. The common denominator for all 3 teams being that people love to hate against them and celebrate their losses like none other. All 3 are arguable the greatest and most iconic teams of each respective league. (AFC for the case of Korea)
Anyone been watching Saudi Arabia? Korea is probably the most rested, fit team because of all the rotations--wondering how they'll fare in the finals
Implementation of 'U-22 rule', a regulation in which all K-League 1 and 2 clubs are required to play at least one player aged 22 or younger (you can only sub twice if you do not comply with this), is paying off.