Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Hong Jeong-ho’s early strike proved enough for Korea Republic to return to winning ways in Group A of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifying campaign following a nervy 1-0 victory over Syria at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday.
Needing to bounce back from a shock 1-0 defeat to China last week, the hosts opened the scoring on four minutes when Syria failed to clear a Son Heung-min corner from the right and defender Hong fired in from 15 yards.
Alaa Al Shbli then spurned a golden opportunity for Syria to level on 32 minutes by blazing over on the turn from six yards, while Nam Tae-hee could have given the Koreans breathing space 11 minutes after the restart but headed Son’s delivery wide.
Kwoun Sun-tae then pulled off an excellent save to deny substitute Firas Al Khatib with 19 minutes remaining, before the same player lashed against the bar in stoppage as Korea Republic held out for a narrow victory.