There was a big surprise in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup. South Korea, coached by Jürgen Klinsmann, lost 2:0 to Jordan.

Former German national soccer coach Jürgen Klinsmann and South Korea surprisingly failed to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Cup. The World Cup round of 16 finalists deservedly lost 0:2 (0:0) to underdog Jordan at the finals in Qatar on Tuesday after a weak performance. As a result, South Korea must continue to wait for their third title win at the continental championship. Jordan, on the other hand, are in the final of the Asian Championship for the first time and will face hosts Qatar or Iran on Saturday, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

Yazan Al-Naimat (53) and Musa Suleiman (66) scored the goals for Jordan in Al-Rayyan. The South Koreans, who had advanced in the round of 16 against Saudi Arabia on penalties and in the quarter-finals against Australia in extra time, were sorely missing FC Bayern defender Minjae Kim, who was suspended for yellow cards. But the attack around superstar Heung-Min Son was also lacking.

Klinsmann is therefore likely to continue to have a difficult time in South Korea. The 1990 world champion had already been criticized before the tournament after not winning any of his first five games with the Taegeuk Warriors. The fact that he spends more time abroad than in South Korea was also not welcomed – similar to his time as national coach.

The results at the Asian Cup were also modest. South Korea won only one of five games in regular time. Late goals in particular saved the team from an early exit. There was no late comeback against Jordan.