Korea stuns 10-man Czech Republic in friendly

National football team forward Suk Hyun-jun, left, takes a shot during a friendly match against the Czech Republic at Eden Arena, Prague, Sunday (KST). Korea won 2-1. / Yonhap

By John Duerden

After a humiliating 6-1 defeat against Spain last Wednesday, ahead of Sunday’s friendly game with the Czech Republic in Prague, the minimum target was to avoid another big defeat. Instead, the Taeguk Warriors did better, much better, winning 2-1 to record their first-ever victory against the European nation.

It was a fine result. The Czechs were coming off a win over Russia and are about to start the 2016 Euro Championships. Losing to South Korea was not part of their script.

Yoon Bitgaram, taking the field for his country for the first time since 2012, fired home a fine free kick after 26 minutes. Five minutes before the break, Suk Hyun-jun added a very well-placed second.

To be leading 2-0 at halftime was exactly what Korea needed but the Czechs narrowed that with a goal as soon as the second half started. Marek Suchy’s shot did not look too threatening until it took a deflection off defender Kwak Tae-hwi.

With the host resurging and looking for an equalizer, Korea had some good news when Gebre Selassie was sent off with 30 minutes remaining. The Czechs continued to attack a nervous-looking Korean backline but the visitors held out for a very welcome win.

To defeat a middle-ranking European power in its own backyard restores confidence. Being ravaged by Spain is one thing but to lose so heavily again would have been damaging to Korea. The team does not seem to react well to conceding a goal. Against Spain, falling behind caused a panic. And even on Sunday, when the Czechs scored, Uli Stielike’s men grew visibly nervous and allowed themselves to be pushed back.

Lacking leaders on the team is an issue. Especially with Koo Ja-cheol and Ki Sung-yeung missing, there are no players who seem able to step in and inspire their teammates to keep playing. This is a young team and could perhaps do with a little more experience.

But there was plenty to be happy about. Suk Hyun-jun was a force as the main striker, a problem position for years. The FC Porto man took his goal very well and surely did enough to ensure that he starts the final round of qualifications for the 2018 World Cup as the team’s number nine, though there is not much competition for that position.

Yoon Bitgaram was a surprise choice. The former star of the U-17 team rarely looked too comfortable in his past appearances, though these happened some time ago. Playing in China threatened to take him further off the radar but he returned, scored a great goal and looked at home in midfield. This is an area where Korea is pretty strong but a little extra competition never hurt anyone.

Elsewhere, though, Son Heung-min’s uncertain form for the national team continued and, once again, he was unable to make much of a contribution, though the Tottenham Hotspur player did not receive much in the way of service from his teammates. Neither was the defense ever convincing against the Czechs and, obviously, against the Spanish.

As the coaching staff and players return home, Sunday’s win will come as a relief. Two defeats would have knocked the confidence out of the team, especially after being hit so hard by Spain. It is tough to know just how much Stielike learned about his team with as many players disappointing as impressive.

The real test comes against China on Sept. 1 in the opening game of the final round of qualifications for the 2018 World Cup.