Ham-footed Koreans eke out draw with Uzbekistan

By Jung Min-ho

Two goals conceded from corner kicks prevented what Korea expected to be a third consecutive win in the final qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup and the 2002 World Cup semifinalists were lucky to escape with a draw.

Korea failed to take its chance to dominate Group A, with Tuesday’s game against Uzbekistan ending 2-2. Despite goals by defender Kwak Tae-hwi and striker Lee Dong-gook at Pakhtakor Stadium, the result exposed several weaknesses.

The home team took an early lead in the 13th minute when Ki Sung-yueng headed the ball into his own net after a corner was whipped in after pressing hard from the start. Korea eventually came into the game but couldn’t deliver passes precisely enough, ceding possession too often and giving Uzbekistan chances to attack. Just before the half time whistle, Kwak rose to meet Ki’s cross. Defender Artyom Filiposyan tried to clear on the line but only succeeded in smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Korea manager Choi Kang-hee saw his side go ahead on 57 minutes when Lee slotted the ball past the keeper but just two minutes later Sanjar Tursunov leveled the score with a brilliant header.

With less than 20 minutes remaining, Choi deployed Park Chu-young to replace Lee Keun-ho after he received a blow to the face. But more poor passing meant chances were not forthcoming. However, just before the end of the game, Park managed to break free with only the goalkeeper to beat but saw his shot saved.

Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong did well throughout the match, his efforts keeping his side from falling to its first loss in this qualifying stage.

“Allowing the first goal negatively affected the rest of the game,” Choi said after the match. “We still have more games to play, so I’m expecting a better performance next time.”

Despite the disappointing result, Korea remains atop Group A on seven points. The nation’s chances of advancing to an eighth consecutive World Cup still seem high but this display raises questions on how it will fare when the players travel to Iran next month.

As of Wednesday, Iran, Qatar and Lebanon all have four points each in a tie for second place but Iran has better goal difference with Uzbekistan at the bottom of the table. The top two nations from the two Asian qualifying groups will automatically advance to the finals in Brazil.