The match was primed for an upset as South Korea struggled to impose themselves on Oman, but despite some good chances to equal the scores, the Yong-Cheol goal in the first half remained the decisive goal in Canberra.
South Korea really struggled to find fluidity in attack, which is a good sign for Australia, but not so good for coach Uli Stielike, who has struggled to get the best out of a star studded Korean side.
Nevertheless Korea find themselves closer to the quarter finals, thanks to Yong-cheol’s goal on the stroke of half-time. Midfielder Ja-cheol surged through Oman’s defence and fired a shot on goal, which Al-Habsi parried into the path of Yong-cheol for the young striker to slot home from close range.
FINAL SCORE:
Korea 1
Oman 0
Group A favourites Korea Republic open their 2015 Asian Cup campaign against the tricky Oman on Saturday afternoon in Canberra. Join The Roar for live blog coverage from 4:00pm (AEDT).
Korea are firm favourites to win the match, and, along with Australia, are also favoured to go through from Group A, but Oman and Kuwait will bide their time and prove difficult opponents to break down, forcing Australia and Korea to play their best or face an early exit.
Oman head into the tournament on a poor run of form, with just one win from their past seven matches, though that win was a rather convincing display against Kuwait in December, putting five past the hapless Kuwaitis.
Korea have had mixed fortunes in the lead up to the Asian Cup, losing to fellow Cup contenders Iran 1-0, and suffering a 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, but winning against Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Paraguay.
South Korea’s Players to watch:
Son Heung-min – Robbie Kruse’s attacking ally at Bayer Leverkusen has eleven goals in all competitions this season, and comes into the Cup fully fit and lethal for Korea.
Mainz Duo – Fullback Joo-ho Park and versatile midfielder Koo Ja-cheol come off a decent start to the Bundasliga season as their side – Mainz 05 – lingers halfway down the table. Both players have regular game time there, and will provide quality for the Koreans.
Ki Sung-yeung – The South Korean captain and Swansea City maestro will be a key player in determining how far the Korean’s go in the Asian Cup, with his technical ability and passing range a key factor in South Korea’s midfield.
Oman Players to watch:
Ali Al-Habsi – Wigan Athletic goalkeeper and Oman captain Al-Habsi will be looking to guide his team from the back. He will be an integral part of the squad, as the Oman team is no doubt prepared for an onslaught from Korea and Australia.
Saad Al-Mukhaini – As a right full-back with 65 caps, the 27 year old’s speed and defiant defensive ability could come in handy. He also has a knack for getting forward, though is yet to score a goal for his country, despite an impressive goal scoring record with his club Al-Oruba.
How Korea can win:
They’re expected to win, and with the quality of players on their team sheet, anything but a convincing win will be a failure.
Son Heung-min has been almost unstoppable this season with Leverkusen, with 11 goals and 5 assists in 28 appearances. He will prove too skilful to handle on the wing, so Korea merely have to show up and play to their potential to get underway in the 2015 Asian Cup.
How Oman can win:
A strong defensive display is paramount in stopping Korea’s slick style of football. They have the players to threaten on the counter, but trying to control the match in possession will leave them too vulnerable on the break, so to win this one they may have to park the bus.
Anything is possible, of course, but if Oman go out to try and stop Korea by controlling the game, they’ll have to also uncover the next Pique in defence.
Prediction:
Korea will be too strong for Oman, and will win comfortably 3-0.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Full Time: Korea Republic 1-0 Oman The match was primed for an upset as South Korea struggled to impose themselves on Oman, but despite some good chances to equal the scores, the Yong-Cheol goal in the first half remained the decisive goal in Canberra. South Korea really struggled to find fluidity in attack, which is a good sign for Australia, but not so good for coach Uli Stielike, who has struggled to get the best out of a star studded Korean side. Nevertheless Korea find themselves closer to the quarter finals, thanks to Yong-cheol’s goal on the stroke of half-time. Midfielder Ja-cheol surged through Oman’s defence and fired a shot on goal, which Al-Habsi parried into the path of Yong-cheol for the young striker to slot home from close range. Thanks for joining me toay, stay tuned for more Asian Cup coverage from 6pm.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Full Time: Kyo Won finds space on the left once more, and manages a shot from a tight angle, forcing the save from Al Habsi. Full time in Canberra as South Korea gets a narrow victory against a brave Oman outfit. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+3: Ibrahim surges forward, and swings the ball into the area, but the ball returned to him on the edge of the box, and his shot rickotched off of a defender and just missed the left post. Corner for Oman finds Maqbali who headers the ball goal-bound, only for Jinh Yeong to get a hand to the effort and puch it against the post. Great chance to even the scores, but it hasn't been there night. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90: Four minutes added on. Korea should hold on as Oman have struggled to create this half. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
89: Very poor delivery - couldn't get into the box. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
88: Kyo-won finds space on the right, and with three players surging forward ahead of him, he looks to play one in, but couldn't find the right ball to beat Owaisi. Freekick Oman from 45 yards out. Looking to swing into the area from some distance. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
86: Abdul Salam storng in defence to stop substitute Jeong Hyeop in his good run forward. Oman burst forward through Ibrahim, but the ball is guided out as Ibrahim can't out muscle Jin-su to win the ball back. Korea break through Jeong on the left wing, and he was one-on-one with Al Habsi, but opted to clip the bal to the back post instead of firing a shot on goal. Poor choice, the chance withers. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
84: Al Sayabi out muscles Sung Kueng and turns on the box, but couldn;t get a shot away. Plenty of possession and touches for Oman around the box - no chance created but some clever, creative touches from Omani forwards. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
Official crowd 12,552 Looks and feels like more, pretty good for Canberra in the wet :) Everyone will be happy with that figure
James Anderson
Roar Guru
82: Oman dispossessed in an atacking area, but the win the ball back and come again. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
81: Oman haven't played the type of football this half that they did in the first. Still time for an equaliser, but not sure where it would come from. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
80: Kyo-won on for Park in midfield Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
78: Oman break, and fantastic cross from Saeed finds Maqbali at the back post, but the midfielder wasnt expecting the ball to find him. His touch let him down, allowing Chang to clear. Poor defending to allow the cross to get to him. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
76: Throw in deep in Korea's half for Oman, and it's punted into the penalty area, but Chang-soo clears. Sung-Yuend looks to build again. Ball finds Jin-su once more down the left wing, and the fullback whips in a cross from an impossible angle, finding Ja-cheol along the ground, who couldn't find his man inside the box. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
74: Jeong-Hyeop the only striker in the squad to play in Korea. He has one cap to his name and one goal. 100% scoring record so far, can he keep that up with a winner to put the match out of reach. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
72: Chung-Yong back on, he has been good this afternoon, probably more decisive and direct than Son. Jeong-Hyeop on for striker Yong Cheol. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
70: Chung-Yong down injured, his foot was bent from Salam. Ouch Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
69: Korea have taken their foot off the pedal. Quite a lumber last few minutes from both sides. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
68: A couple of poor touches from both sides. Korea end up with the ball on the right wing - Son Hueng Min cuts inside and fires a shot which is saved by Al Hasbi. Notice that both sides have defended extremely well - very few chances despite lots of play in and around the penalty area. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman
James Anderson
Roar Guru
66: Long ball searches for Saeed on the right, but couldn't find its mark. Korea back on the ball as Oman give the ball away rather easily. Korea Republic 1-0 Oman