Asian Cup 2015 Final: Score and Twitter Reaction for Australia vs. South Korea

Hosts Australia outlasted South Korea to win the 2015 Asian Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory after extra time. Goals from attacking midfielders Massimo Luongo and James Troisi snatched the win and a maiden trophy for the Socceroos, per the competition's official Twitter feed:

Playmaker Luongo netted Australia's first goal just prior to end of the opening half. Fox Sports Football provided highlights of the strike:

Luongo had provided the highlight moment of a gruelling first 90 minutes. Both teams committed plenty of energy and physicality to the cause, despite playing a sixth match in just 19 days.

South Korea certainly played the more attractive football. They consistently worked the ball along the ground, forming passing triangles and executing combination exchanges.

While Australia were rugged and disciplined in stifling this approach, they weren't without their own quality on the ball. A key battle for influence was played out between Luongo and South Korea pass-master Ki Sung-Yueng.

The early stats showed the latter probing, while Swindon Town ace Luongo proved more decisive. Their respective performances illustrated the pattern of the game for both teams:

The Socceroos were forced to survive a series of free-kicks from South Korea late on. But they were able to consistently repel the pressure.

It helped to have Crystal Palace enforcer Mile Jedinak dropping in between his centre-backs to provide an extra barrier and aerial presence. But things soon became too frantic at the back.

Son Heung-Min capitalised. He netted a last-gasp equaliser following some nice combination play:

The last-ditch strike had to bring back painful memories for the Socceroos. Australia were beaten four years ago in the final by Japan in extra time.

However, luck was on the hosts' side on this occasion. Substitute Troisi struck after a rare error from goalkeeper Kim Jin-Hyeon.

The usually sure-handed stopper made a mess of a low cross, giving Zulte Waregem midfielder Troisi a chance he couldn't miss. The Socceroos' official Twitter account carried highlights of the decisive finish:

What followed was some excellent siege resistance from Australia. Jedinak stayed deep as Australia dropped off in numbers and prepared to seize any chance on the break.

Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan was commanding and decisive, claiming high balls launched into the box as South Korea became desperate. The confident stopper earned tournament accolades for his performances:

Unlike in normal time, the Socceroos stayed solid and organised to preserve the result and snap South Korea's 15-match unbeaten run in the competition.

Afterwards, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou was quick to praise his team:

The savvy manager has made history by claiming a first Australian win in this tournament. In the process, he and his team have raised the profile of the country's football standing, both domestically and internationally.