Socceroos were crowned Asian Cup champions last night in an historic 2-1 triumph over South Korea at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Following the success of the Western Sydney Wanderers at the Asian Champions League in 2014, Australia has become the first nation to ever hold both trophies at the same time, with Massimo Luongo and James Troisi scoring the two winning goals of the Saturday night final.
“I couldn’t be happier, mate. It was tough, it was a final and you’ve got to grind it out. The courage of players showed tonight, it was enormous-” A. Postecoglou
“I’m no good for words right now. I’m just really just super proud of everyone,” said Greek Australian coach Ange Postecoglou, who has been severely criticised for his methods.
“The players, the staff, the whole organisation, and I couldn’t be happier, mate. It was tough, it was a final and you’ve got to grind it out. The courage of players showed tonight, it was enormous.”
The Socceroos downed the Koreans in what turned out to be an extra-time Asian Cup final thriller, after South Korea’s midfielder Son Heung-min scored in the last seconds of the second-half. Korea kept the edge of the game with Australia trying to steal the ball in an end-to-end fight between Son and Ki Sung-yeung.
Twenty two year-old Luongo’s well-aimed Aussie strike was the first goal the South Koreans conceded in the entire tournament, before before Son slotted the game to extra time with a late equaliser. That sent the Australia Stadium crowd crazy in angst before James Troisi fired home the second goal for the Socceroos.
Socceroos delivered a proud performance for Australia, while young scorer Massimo Luongo was named player of the tournament.
“I know the whole country will be off their couches and won’t be able to sleep tonight,” thrilled Postecoglou who delivered Australia from the ropes to first place, added.
“Hopefully from now on our Aussies can take on the world,” Ange said, celebrating his vindicating success.