An 82nd-minute volley and a life-changing prize: Bae sends South Korea into the final
South Korea came from behind to beat China 2–1, with Bae Jun-ho sealing a fourth straight Asian Games final.
Events: 30 Sept 2026
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Bae Jun-ho's 82nd-minute volley completed a 2–1 comeback against China and carried South Korea into a fourth consecutive Asian Games final in Osaka on 30 September. Wang Yudong put China ahead, Lee Young-jun levelled before half-time, and Bae converted stand-in captain Eom Ji-sung's second assist of the match.
A final bigger than gold
The holders face Japan or Uzbekistan at Toyota Stadium on Saturday. The sporting prize is historic: South Korea are chasing an unprecedented fourth straight gold. The human stakes are also exceptional, because gold could give the squad an exemption from South Korea's compulsory military service.
The details were checked against Reuters' match report and the AFC's tournament coverage. More international stories are in the football section.
