Asian Cup: Australia 1 South Korea 1

Mile Jedinak’s second-half header rescued a 1-1 draw for Australia in their Group C clash against South Korea at the Asian Cup on Friday.

Cho Kwang-Rae’s side impressed in the first half and took the lead thanks to Koo Ja-Cheol’s composed finish but were forced to settle for a point after Jedinak’s strong header ensured both sides would share the spoils in Asia’s premier soccer tournament.

Australia manager Holger Osieck made no changes to the side who cruised to a 4-0 victory over India in their opening match, while South Korea made one change, with Kwak Tae-Hwi ruled out due to suspension and replaced by Hwang Jae-Won.

After a minute’s silence for the victims of the Queensland floods, South Korea made the brighter start, with Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung instrumental in the early stages.

But Australia should have taken the lead inside the first 10 minutes when a Luke Wilkshire free-kick spilt to Harry Kewell, who missed from nine yards out.

They had the chance to redeem themselves just minutes later when Tim Cahill was fouled by South Korea full-back Cha Du-Ri but claims for a penalty were waved away.

South Korea’s quick and incisive passing began to cause Australia problems and after 24 minutes they had the ball in the back of the net.

Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski allowed a Jung Sung-Ryong goal-kick to bounce far too close to goal, and Ji Dong-Won made the most of the opportunity, cutting the ball across goal for Koo who took one touch before firing into the bottom left-hand corner.

Ji went close to adding to South Korea’s account on two occasions, while Kewell saw a free-kick narrowly go over and a left-foot shot from outside the box sail wide.

Brett Holman was Australia’s driving force and started a terrific move which ended with Cahill, who had the ball stolen off his foot thanks to a superb interception from Cha.

The pressure and speed of South Korea’s game forced the Socceroos into several mistakes, but the second half saw Australia turn things around.

After Carl Valeri was introduced as a half-time substitution for the injured Jason Culina, Ognenovski was lucky to remain on the pitch for a late foul on Park.

Park tested Schwarzer from distance while Kewell, regularly in the right position, was struggling to take advantage of his opportunities.

It was a deflected Kewell strike that led to Australia’s goal, with the resultant corner producing Jedinak’s first international strike.

Cahill’s initial header went to the back post, where Neill coolly lobbed the ball to the top of the six-yard box. Jung came for the ball but did not get there, beaten by a strong Jedinak who powered his header into the goal.

Cahill had the ball in the back of the net four minutes later but it was ruled out for offside.

Both sides squandered half-chances and the game seemed destined for a draw, before Mark Schwarzer’s superb instinct save to deny Ki Sung-Yong late in the game.

Ki’s shot on the turn with his left foot produced a world-class save of pure instinct from the Fulham custodian.

Late injuries soured Australia’s night with David Carney dislocating his right shoulder and Luke Wilkshire also leaving the field.

The result leaves both sides on four points after two matches.