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Saturday, 28 July 2007, 17:06 GMT 18:06 UK

South Koreans clinch third place

South Korea clinched a dramatic 6-5 penalty shoot-out win over Japan in the third place play-off at the Asian Cup.

The Koreans were reduced to 10 men just before the hour when Kang Ming-soo saw red while coach Pim Verbeek and two of his assistants were also dismissed.

Japan had the better chances but the Koreans held on for a goalless draw after 120 minutes before keeper Lee Woon-Jae saved Naotake Hanyu's penalty.

South Korea's win ensures their qualification for the 2011 tournament.

Japan will particularly rue their missed chances to claim victory in extra-time in the match played in Pelambang, Indonesia.

Substitute Hanyu blasted into defender Kim Chi-gon on the line and Hisato Sato forced Lee into a smothering save.

At the other end, Lee Chun-soo went close for South Korea before half-time but they were forced to defend for large periods following Ming-soo's sending-off.

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