China PR hogged possession at the start of the game without making much inroads into the opposition defence, only to then concede to Korea Republic’s first foray forward.

Gimcheon Sangmu midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong let the ball roll across him on the edge of the box in the eighth minute then curled a stunning shot into the top corner beyond the gloves of Yan Junling.

Korea Republic doubled their lead in the 21st minute after working the ball from right to left with Lee Tae-seok’s early cross into the box met by a thumping Joo Min-kyu header past Yan.

A stunned China PR were able to regroup and create a chance of their own with seven minutes of the 45 left to play, but midfielder Gao Tianyi’s long range effort sailed just over the bar.

Korea Republic added to their advantage 11 minutes into the restart after Yan had pushed away Kim Jin-gyu’s free-kick but from the ensuing corner kick, the keeper’s punched clearance fell to centre-back Kim Ju-sung who smashed home from close range.

China PR head coach Dejan Djurdjevic made several changes, including bringing on forwards Tao Qianglong and Sai Erjini'ao, but it was to no avail as Korea Republic comfortably saw out the win.

Photos: EAFF/KFA