Korea Republic men’s national team defeated Middle East powerhouse Saudi Arabia, as Jürgen Klinsmann grabbed his first win since taking charge of the Taegeuk Warriors.

Cho Guesung struck the only goal of the game midway through the first half, as Klinsmann’s side beat the Saudis 1-0 at St. James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England on Tuesday. It was the German’s first win in six attempts since he was appointed earlier this year, whilst the head-to-head record against the Saudis has become five wins, seven draws and six defeats.

Having fought out a goalless draw with Wales last Thursday, Korea Republic have rounded off the series of friendly matches with a win and a draw. The Taegeuk Warriors are set to take on Tunisia and Vietnam in October, before participating in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November. Next up for Korea Republic are the finals of the AFC Asian Cup to be staged in Qatar in January.

Klinsmann made only one change to the side that had faced Wales last week, with Hwang Heechan replacing Hong Hyeonseok who had left the side to join the national team for the Asian Games over the weekend.

Cho Guesung and Son Heungmin led the attack up front, supported by Hwang Heechan, Hwang Inbeom, Park Yongwoo and Lee Jaesung in midfield; Lee Kije, Kim Minjae, Jung Seunghyun and Seol Youngwoo at the back; and Kim Seunggyu between the sticks.

As if they were out to make up for the lack of finishing touches exposed in the previous five games, Korea Republic poured on from the outset with no fewer than 11 attempts on goal in the first half alone. Cho made his intentions clear with a left-footed shot from a Hwang Inbeom pass after four minutes, and then five minutes later Lee Kije’s effort from Son Heungmin’s free-kick went just wide of the left post.

But despite seizing the control in the early stages, the men in red found themselves suddenly on the back foot following a series of mistakes. Naser Aldosari curled his free-kick straight at Kim Seunggyu on 20 minutes, before Salem Aldosari captalised on a defensive error only to miss the opportunity with only the keeper to beat six minutes later.

However, it was Korea Republic that drew first blood – with a little bit of luck – as Cho rose to the occasion on 32 minutes. Flawless play involving Lee Jaesung, Son Heungmin and then Hwang Inbeom was only half-cleared by a Saudi defender, and Cho rose highest head home the loose ball from close range.

Korea Republic could have extended their lead three minutes later, when Son was brought down by the opposing defender inside the area after receiving a pass from Cho. But the referee did not award a penalty and the game went on as there was no VAR for the friendly. 

The Taegeuk Warriors picked up where they had left off in the first, as the second half got underway. Lee Jaesung and then Hwang Heechan forced a series of fine saves from Saudi goalkeeper Alowais, as the frustration loomed large.

Klinsmann responded by reshuffling his side as Hwang Uijo and Moon Sunmin came off the bench to replace Cho Guesung and Hwang Heechan respectively on 68 minutes. Eight minutes later, defensive midfielder Kang Sangwoo came on for Lee Jaesung to play the same role for his club Beijing Guoan.

Korea Republic struggled to protect the slim advantage, as the Saudis were desperate to put an end to their five-game losing streak. Roberto Mancini deployed all the attacking resources at his disposal to create any chances to reduce the deficit in the closing minutes, but his men were unable to find a breakthrough against the stubborn rearguard of Korea Republic.

International friendly

Korea Republic 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Goal: Cho Guesung 32’

KOR: Kim Seunggyu, Lee Kije, Kim Minjae, Jung Seunghyun, Seol Youngwoo, Hwang Heechan (Moon Sunmin 68’), Hwang Inbeom (Lee Soonmin 90’+1), Park Yongwoo, Lee Jaesung (Kang Sangwoo 76’), Cho Guesung (Hwang Uijo 68’), Son Heungmin (Oh Hyeongyu 90’+1)