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| South Korea's Son Heung-min shoots the ball during men's soccer match between South Korea and Kyrgyzstan at the 2018 Asian Games at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, Monday. South Korea won 1-0. Yonhap |
By John Duerden
A second-half strike from Son Heung-min gave South Korea a 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan on Monday in Indonesia to confirm a second round tie against Iran in the 2018 Asian Games.
It was a deserved, if slightly labored victory, with Korea recording 24 attempts on goal in comparison to three from the opposition. Coming three days after a surprise 2-1 defeat to Malaysia however, it was vital that the young Taegeuk Warriors returned to winning ways.
There was no rotation this time from coach Kim Hak-bom as he fielded what he regards as his strongest eleven.
Son started his first game since arriving in Indonesia and World Cup goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo returned to his position between the posts after being rested against Malaysia.
The first half was untidy as Korea looked to be trying too hard against the Central Asians and despite plenty of possession, could not find a way through into goal.
The second half was an improvement however and just after the hour, the deadlock was broken, much to the relief of all at home. A Jang Yoon-ho corner kick found its way to Son and the Tottenham Hotspur forward volleyed into the net. Like the other players in the 20-man roster, Son will be granted exemption from his impending 21-month military service period if he can collect a gold medal in the final on Sept. 1. There is still a long way to go.
After Son's strike, there were more chances that were not taken with Hwang Hee-chan, who has the talent to get into good positions but has struggled in front of goal for the national team, a major culprit.
While Korea finishes level on points with Malaysia and a much better goal difference, the Southeast Asian team finishes in first thanks to their win over Korea, one that has been widely celebrated in Kuala Lumpur soccer circles. On Monday, Malaysia lost 3-1 to Bahrain, who also progress to the second round as one of four best-performing third-placed teams, and will face Japan in the next stage. Bahrain takes on Vietnam, coached by Korean tactician Park Hang-seo.
Now Korean attention will turn to Iran who will provide a more difficult test on Thursday. The team finished top of a tough Group F, above North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar. At the senior level, Iran and Korea have met on numerous occasions in recent years with the men from Tehran usually coming out on top. Korea will be hoping this clash ends differently.
