The Asian Cup literally became the Gulf Cup after Iraq and Saudi Arabia entered the final on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Iraq overcame South Korea with a 4-3 win through penalty shootout, entering the Asian Cup final for the first time in its history.
Later, defending champion Japan conceded three goals lose 3-2 to Saudi Arabia in a thrilling match.
Iraq and South Korea played a balanced game in 90 minutes though Iraqis were more menacing.
Iraq controlled the game in extra time and Hawar Mohammed almost sealed victory for Iraq when his close range shot was denied by the goalpost.
Iraq's Noor Sabri Abbas became the hero of the war-torn country after he denied in the penalty shoot-out of South Korea forward Yeom Ki-hun.
Under enormous pressure, South Korea's Kim Jung-woo's shot hit the goalpost.
Later in the day, Saudi Arabai shocked defending champion Japan.
Yasser Qahtani powered the ball home via a freekick in the 35th minute, giving Saudi Arabia 1-0 lead. Japanese defender Yuji Nakazawa equalized the score with a powerful header on a corner kick only two minutes later.
Saudi Arabia's Malek Alhawsawi scored twice in the second half to help his team enter the final.
Though Japanese midfielder managed to score in the 53th minute but Japan failed to score again.
Japan will compete with South Korea for a bronze medal on Saturday while two West Asian countries, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, will fight for the trophy of the Asian Cup on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
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