Asian Games: South Korea beat Japan 1-0 to reach football semis

Incheon: Hosts South Korea beat bitter rivals Japan 1-0 in a feisty Asian Cup quarter-final on Sunday thanks to a late penalty from captain Jang Hyun-Soo.

The Koreans, looking to end a 28-year title drought, play Thailand in the last four after finally breaking down Japan`s stubborn resistance in front of 43,000 raucous fans in Incheon, many wearing flashing "Red Devils" horns.

Jang calmly tucked away a spot kick in the 88th minute after substitute Lee Jong-Ho had been clattered from behind by Ryota Oshima and left with blood pouring from his nose.

South Korea`s players will be excused two years of mandatory military service if they win the tournament, which is played under the Olympic under-23 format.

Thailand beat Jordan 2-0 in an early kickoff to set up a meeting with South Korea, who threw everything but the kitchen sink at Japan but lacked end product.

Kim Young-uk missed a point-blank header and Lee Yong-Jae had a shot cleared off the line in the first half, before Lee Jong-Ho also had an effort blocked on the line as South Korea piled on the pressure after the break.