Suwon: Son Heung-min's second half goal gave Korea Republic a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Qatar on Tuesday in Group A of the third round of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Korea Republic took an early lead through English Premier League star Ki Sung-yueng but a penalty converted by Hasan Al Haydos and a close-range effort from Sebastian Soria put Qatar ahead at the break.
Two goals in quick succession after the break from Ji Dong-won and Son put the Taeguk Warriors back in front but the hosts were left hanging on when defender Hong Jeong-ho was shown a second yellow card midway through the second half, although Qatar would ultimately to suffer a third straight defeat.
"This is the first come-from-behind win since I became coach. This will help the players' confidence for the next game away in Iran," said Korea Republic coach Uli Stielike.
"Mentally, we were stronger than before. When we fell behind, the players kept plugging away. At half-time I told the players that they had played well and needed to do so again.
"It was hard for the last 21 minutes as we had a man down but the players worked hard and were mentally strong.
"There are no easy games at this stage of World Cup qualification and we have to remember that."
Korea Republic made most of the early running and were rewarded after 11 minutes with a fine goal from their captain. Son found Ki 25 metres away from goal and the midfielder sent a diagonal low shot that flew past the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.
Two minutes later, the Swansea City star almost made it two as his shot through a crowded area was well-saved by the legs of the Qatari custodian.
Immediately, Qatar drew level. Hong Jeong-ho brought down Soria in the area and Al Haydos fired home the spot-kick for Qatar's first goal in this stage of qualification.
Korea Republic looked to restore their lead but striker Suk Hyun-jun headed Hong Chul's left-sided cross over the bar from close range.
On the stroke of half-time Qatar took the lead. Soria's initial shot was blocked by the Korean defence but the ball fell to Al Haydos on the right side of the area and the Qatar captain clipped a perfect ball back towards the edge of the six-yard box where Soria knocked the ball past Kim Seung-gyu.
Korea Republic pressed hard after the restart and were rewarded with the equaliser after 56 minutes. Kim Shin-wook, introduced at half-time, headed a Hong Chul cross into the path of Ji.
The FC Augsburg forward controlled the ball and then smoothly sent it into the bottom right corner.
Moments later, the hosts were ahead. Hong Chul was involved once again, threading a ball through the Qatari backline for Son coming inside from the left. The in-form Tottenham Hotspur star curled a shot around the goalkeeper with his first touch.
Qatar were given hope midway through the second half as Hong Jeong-ho was sent off for a second bookable offence but the home defence held firm for all three points.
“As we expected it was a tough game. Korea Republic started strongly and pressed us and kept the ball well but we broke through in midfield and this is where we did well. We looked good on the counter-attack," said Qatar coach Jorge Fossati.
"I am a positive person and still believe that we can qualify and from this performance we can take confidence. Now we look to the Syria game and, when I looked at how we attacked down the wings, I think we can win.”
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