S. Korea loses to N. Korea 1-0 in Asian Games opener

By Yoon Chul

South Korea’s footballers suffered a defeat Monday in their opening match of the Asian Games against North Korea.

In Guangzhou, the Taeguk Warriors managed by Hong Myung-bo — aiming for a gold medal for the first time in 24 years — allowed a lone game-winning goal to Lee Kwang-cheon of North Korea for a 1-0 defeat in a Group C preliminary match.

A long cross and two consecutive headers saw the ball hit the back of net.

South Korea had most of the possession, but to no particular avail.

When it tried to penetrate North Korean territory, all the latter’s players retreated into their half not allowing the South Koreans the chance to create any openings.

The South Korean team was well organized but seemed to try too hard to set up the perfect chance in the first half.

The North Koreans also moved aggressively and South Korean goalie Kim Seung-gyu had to stretch to deny them a goal from long-range shots.

However, the North finally found the net.

In the 36th minute, a free kick from Park Nam-chol on the left passed high in front of the net over goalie Kim and a defender onto the head of North Korea’s An Chol-hyuk who pushed the ball forward for Lee to send it into the net with a diving header.

In the last minute of the first half, Kim Bo-kyung had a chance to equalize, but his strong volley went straight to the North Korean goalkeeper.

In the second half, the trailing South got a boost when Park Nam-chol of North Korea was ejected for getting a second yellow card in the 65th minute.

The South Koreans tried more shots, but most of them were deflected by diving North Korean defenders.

South Korea is scheduled to play Jordan Wednesday.