Almotamar.net Times online - Iraq reached its first Asian Cup final by winning a penalty shootout 4-3 over South Korea in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock during 90 minutes and extra time and with the shootout level at 3-3 Noor Sabri, the Iraqi goalkeeper, tipped Yeom Ki-hun�s left-foot shot around the right post to give his side the edge.
After Iraq converted its fourth penalty, Kim Jung-woo had to convert to keep the contest alive, but his shot hit the right-hand post, prompting the Iraqis to swamp Sabri in celebration.
With their unlikely run through the tournament drawing wide attention and causing rare joy in their war-torn homeland, the Iraqis go into Sunday�s final as sentimental favorites. They will meet the winner of Wednesday�s later match between defending champion Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The South Koreans had progressed to the last four via another shootout, having beaten Iran, three-times champions, 4-2 in Sunday�s quarterfinal.
Iraq had the best chance to win the game in open play when Hawar Mulla�s shot from Lee Woon-jae�s fingertip save in the first period of extra-time hit the post and Kim Jin-kyu cleared the rebound off the line.