2014 Asian Games hosts, Korea Republic claimed their fourth Asian Games men's football title in front of 47,000 fans as they held off a tough challenge from neighbours Korea DPR to win 1-0 in extra-time at the Munhak Stadium.
In a dramatic finish, Korea Republic clinched the title with the last kick in extra-time. Defender Rim Chang-Woo smashed home from close range from a set-piece to give the host nation their first title since 1986 and their fourth in the history of the competition. In two of their previous title wins -- in 1970 and 1978 -- Korea Republic had shared the gold medal with Burma (now Myanmar) and Korea DPR respectively.
Korea Republic were fortunate to survive a major scare in normal time. Striker Pak Kwang-Ryong of Korea DPR -- who had come on as a substitute for Swiss club FC Basel in their 2011-12 UEFA Champions League 3-3 away draw against Manchester United -- struck the woodwork in the 76th minute.
Korea Republic dominated possession during regular time but both teams struggled to create any real scoring opportunities. The scrappy winner came off a corner, which Korea Republic forward Lee Yong-Jae nudged towards goal. The ball was cleared off the line but dropped to Rim, who finished with a fierce volley to break Korea DPR hearts.
Earlier, Iraq claimed the bronze medal by defeating Thailand 1-0 in the play-off for the third place.
Thailand had won many hearts by keeping a clean sheet till the semifinal. But the South East Asian nation succumbed to a solitary goal scored by Iraq's experienced forward Younis Mahmoud in the 62nd minute. Mahmoud -- who was part of the Iraq squad which which historically won the 2007 AFC Asian Cup -- headed in off a corner past Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.