Cho Kwang-Rae's side impressed in the first half and took the lead thanks to Koo Ja-Cheol's composed finish on 24 minutes but were forced to settle for a point after Jedinak's strong header ensured both sides would share the spoils.

Australia manager Holger Osieck made no change to the side who cruised to a 4-0 victory over India in their opening match, while South Korea made one change, with Kwak Tae-Hwi ruled out due to suspension and replaced by Hwang Jae-Won.

After a minute's silence for the victims of the Queensland floods, South Korea made the brighter start, with Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung instrumental in the early stages.

But Australia should have taken the lead inside the first 10 minutes when a Luke Wilkshire free-kick spilt to Harry Kewell, who fired over from nine yards out.

They had the chance to redeem themselves just minutes later when Tim Cahill appeared to be pushed by South Korea's impressive right full-back Cha Du-Ri inside the box but claims for a penalty were waved away.

South Korea's quick and incisive passing began to cause Australia problems and after 24 minutes they had the ball in the back of the net.

Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski allowed a Jung Sung-Ryong goal-kick to bounce far too close to goal, and Ji Dong-Won made the most of the opportunity, cutting the ball across goal for Koo who took one touch before firing into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Ji went close to adding to South Korea's account on two occasions, while Kewell saw a free-kick narrowly go over and his left-foot shot from outside the box sail wide.

Brett Holman was Australia's driving force and started a terrific move which ended with Cahill, who had the ball stolen off his foot inside the box thanks to a superb interception from Cha.

The pressure and speed of South Korea's game was impressive and forced the green and gold into mistakes, but the second half saw Australia turn things around.

After Carl Valeri was introduced as a half-time substitution for the injured Jason Culina, Ognenovski was lucky to remain on the pitch for a late foul on Park.

Park tested Schwarzer from distance while Kewell, regularly in the right position, was struggling to take advantage of his opportunities.

It was a deflected Kewell strike that led to the goal, with the resultant corner producing Jedinak's first international strike.

Cahill's initial header went to the back post, finding Neill who coolly lobbed the ball to the top of the six-yard box. Jung came for the ball but did not get there, beaten by a strong Jedinak who looped his header into the goal.

Cahill had the ball in the back of the net four minutes later but it was ruled out for offside, while another injury meant Wilkshire left the pitch, replaced by Jade North.

The goal clearly lifted Australia as Holman and Jedinak went close, while Cha continued to attack Australia's left.

Both sides squandered half-chances and the game seemed destined for a draw, before Mark Schwarzer's superb instinct save to deny Ki Sung-Yong late in the game.

Ki's shot on the turn with his left foot produced a world-class save of pure instinct from the Fulham custodian.

The impressive Valeri and Emerton both blazed shots over the bar in the dying stages while David Carney dislocated his right shoulder as he jumped for a header. The injury appears to be serious and put a dampener on the night for Australia.

The result leaves both sides on four points after two matches in Group C.

Australia 1 (Jedinak 62')
Korea Republic 1 (Koo Ja-Cheol 24')
@ Al Gharafa Stadium