Korea has salvaged a third-place finish in the Asian Cup soccer finals, with a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Japan.

In Palembang, Indonesia, veteran Korean goalie Lee Woon-jae came through for his country once again, making a spectacular save for the win and an automatic berth in the 2011 Asian Cup.

The Taegeuk Warriors continued to struggle offensively in the consolation round, failing to score a goal for the third straight game to post just three over six games in the tournament.

The ejection of Korean defender Kang Min-soo in the 56th minute brought heavy protest from Korea coach Pim Verbeek and two of his assistants. All three men were removed from the game as a result.

Speculation is growing that Verbeek will resign, and AFP says the Korea Football Federation has contacted Iraq coach Jordan Vieira about the job.