South Korea defeated North Korea after a thrilling final match.

The final match between the two Korean Olympic teams lasted 120 minutes before a winner was decided, with the host nation of the 2014 Asian Games securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a precious goal in the final seconds of extra time.

South Korea deserved their precious gold medal in the highly anticipated sport at the Asian Games, as they relentlessly pressed forward from the end of the first half until just under a minute of added time in the second half of extra time. However, North Korea also had reason to be bitter, having defended resolutely and solidly, seemingly on the verge of taking the match to a tense penalty shootout. The South Korean Olympic team's goal in the second half of extra time prevented North Korea from securing a gold medal in football at the Asian Games held in South Korea, after their women's team had defeated defending champions Japan in the final the day before.

The South Korean players knelt on the field after receiving their medals. Photo: Reuters.

With two teams that were relatively evenly matched in terms of skill, the first half of the final was quite tense, with fierce competition across the field, but there weren't many scoring opportunities.

In that tightly contested match, North Korea showed a slight advantage in attacking play in the first half. Within the first 25 minutes, North Korea had two chances to threaten the home team's goal. In the 10th minute, they forced the South Korean goalkeeper to make a save, pushing the ball over the crossbar after a header. In the 24th minute, the North Korean right winger comfortably unleashed a right-footed shot from a distance of only about 15 meters, sending the ball just over the crossbar.

But towards the end of the first half, South Korea played more fluidly and created their first truly dangerous opportunity in the 41st minute. Following a corner kick from the right that lofted the ball close to the goal, the South Korean striker leaped low to the ground and headed the ball powerfully. The North Korean goalkeeper could only manage to use his foot to block the shot and avert the danger.

For almost the entire second half, South Korea pushed forward and increased the pace of their attack, maintaining possession for nearly 70%. However, North Korea defended very tightly and also launched some effective counter-attacks. In the 74th minute, the ball deflected off a South Korean player's head after a powerful shot from the left wing, narrowly missing the post. From the subsequent corner kick, North Korea's number 19 jumped higher than the South Korean defense, heading the ball towards the center of the goal, but it hit the crossbar and bounced out. This was the most dangerous moment of the 90 minutes of regular time.

The players from both teams fought fiercely throughout the entire match. Photo: Reuters.

In the 82nd minute, South Korea threatened North Korea's goal with a well-executed free-kick from the left wing. North Korea's number four defender, while attempting a clearance, nearly headed the ball into his own net. North Korea's man-to-man marking across almost the entire field, relying on their superior physical fitness, helped them take the game into extra time. During regular time, despite having significantly less possession, North Korea had four shots on target compared to South Korea's one.

South Korea continued to be the more attacking team in the first period of extra time, but their offensive moves lacked the sharpness to significantly trouble North Korea's solid defense.

South Korea relentlessly pressed in the second half of extra time, hoping to settle the match within the 120 minutes of play. The North Korean players and goalkeeper fought valiantly and with great focus, but they couldn't hold out until the end. With only about 30 seconds remaining in the two minutes of added time, the North Korean goalkeeper misjudged a high ball that crossed the goal line. The North Korean defenders scrambled to clear the ball, but Rim Chang Woo was there in time to unleash a powerful right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, sending the ball into the near corner and scoring a crucial goal for South Korea.

North Korean players burst into tears after missing out on the championship. Photo: Reuters.

This was the first time the two Korean teams had met in the men's football final of the Asian Games since their 0-0 draw in Bangkok in 1978. According to the rules of that Asian Games, both teams received gold medals. On the medal podium that year, the sports world witnessed a rare display of camaraderie between the athletes of the two nations, as the 22 starting players embraced each other in celebration.

In the bronze medal match this afternoon, Iraq defeated Thailand 1-0 with the only goal scored in the 62nd minute.

According to VnExpress.net