Coach sees narrow win in tuneup as important learning experience for World Cup

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo, center, speaks with his players during a hydration break of a friendly football match against El Salvador at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, June 3. Yonhap

PROVO, United States — After South Korea escaped with a narrow win over an opponent they were supposed to dominate, head coach Hong Myung-bo said he chose to look on the brighter side.

South Korea beat El Salvador 1-0 in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, on Wednesday. Lee Dong-gyeong's free kick marker in the 57th minute was the only goal for South Korea, who came in ranked 25th in the world, 75 spots ahead of El Salvador.

More offense was expected from the Taegeuk Warriors after they pounded 102nd-ranked Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, but Hong said not all was lost from the one-goal victory.

"We had some difficulties offensively early in the match, but I think this match will be of huge help for us," Hong said at his postmatch press conference.

"Czechia play a similar style," he said, referring to South Korea's first World Cup opponent. "And I think our players must have learned a great deal today by playing this type of team. We have to bear down on generating more opportunities."

The victory wrapped up South Korea's training camp in Utah, which began May 18. They set up shop here for altitude training, with two of South Korea's three group stage matches scheduled in another elevated city, Guadalajara of Mexico.

"I'd like to thank the players for following our programs so well from the very beginning," Hong said. "I could see that they are now better accustomed to playing in these conditions."

Hong said he was also encouraged by the performances of his defenders in the past two matches. Lee Gi-hyuk, considered the biggest surprise pick for the squad who had just one cap under his name, started both tuneup matches and acquitted himself well. Cho Wi-je, who initially traveled to Utah as a non-roster training partner, was picked for the final squad as a replacement for injured center back Cho Yu-min and made his international debut against El Salvador as a second-half substitute.

"I think he played well stepping in for an injured player," Hong said of Cho Wi-je's performance. "He helped the team tremendously."

Aside from Lee's goal, South Korea wasted a couple of other free kick opportunities from around the box. Hong didn't make much of those, saying his players have more up their sleeves.

"We didn't want to reveal too much in these friendly matches," said Hong, who had players wear different numbers on the back than usual to keep opposing scouts confused. "Once we arrive in Mexico, then we will be ready to polish up our strategies."