Korea cruises to Asian Games football final with 3-1 victory over Vietnam

Lee Seung-woo, left, and Son Heung-min celebrate after Lee scores Korea’s first goal during a semifinal match against Vietnam at the 2018 Asian Games at Pakansari Stadium in Indonesia on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

The Korean men’s football team defeated Vietnam 3-1 in the semifinals at the 2018 Asian Games at Pakansari Stadium in Indonesia on Wednesday.

Korea got off to a quick start with Lee Seung-woo scoring the first goal only six minutes into the match. Hwang Ui-jo, the leading scorer at the Asian Games, doubled Korea’s lead in the 27th minute. Only nine minutes into the second half, Lee scored another to extend Korea’s lead to 3-0.

Vietnam finally scored its first goal in the 69th minute but was unable to level the playing field.

Japan and the United Arab Emirates will play their semifinal later tonight. Korea will face the winner in the final at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday.

BY KANG YOO-RIM [kang.yoorim@joongang.co.kr]