Having already secured passage to the round of 16 at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, Korea Republic tested various combinations to claim another victory against Bahrain.

Hwang Sunhong’s side defeated Bahrain 3-0 in their final Group E match staged at Jinhua Sports Centre Stadium in Zhejiang, China on Sunday, with goals from Lee Hanbeom, Paik Seungho and Goh Youngjun.

Having qualified for the knockout phase with the victories over Kuwait and Thailand last week, Korea Republic could test various combinations with Lee Kangin given his first start of the tournament whilst three over-aged players – Paik Seungho, Park Jinseob and Seol Youngwoo – were rested on the bench.

Korea Republic will take on Group F runners-up Kyrgyz Republic in the round of 16 at the same venue on Wednesday.

Hwang started Cho Youngwook and Lee Kangin up front, as the latter was given an opportunity to test his match fitness after joining the squad on Thursday. Lee operated as an attacking midfielder behind Cho, who was deployed as a lone striker.

Midfield quartet consisted of Jeong Wooyeong, Jung Hoyeon, Hong Hyunseok and An Jaejun; Park Kyuhyun, Kim Taehyeon, Lee Hanbeom and Choi Jun at the back; Min Seongjun between the sticks.

It was fair to say that the first half was rather an uneventful one, though all eyes were on Lee Kangin who led the Korean attack until he was replaced by Goh Youngjun after 36 minutes. Lee orchestrated the fine moves that culminated in Cho Youngwook’s glancing header on 25 minutes. However, Lee did not seem to be in his best form, as he failed to complete passes a few times whilst refraining from dribbling the ball.

Having netted a brace against Kuwait, Cho could not continue his goal-scoring form as he failed to convert quite a few chances. Jeong Wooyeong, the hat-trick hero against the Kuwaitis, fired wide from a free-kick during the opening exchanges, before heading well over from a Lee Kangin cross on 36 minutes.

After a goalless first half, Korea Republic finally broke the deadlock through a set-piece on the hour mark. Centre-back Lee Hanbeom was quick to guide his header inside the near post, after Jung Hoyeon sent an inviting cross from the left. Lee was on hand to convert such a rare opportunity as he stayed inside the area after moving upfield to join the attack for the previous corner.

Korea Republic doubled the advantage through a scorcher from Paik Seungho on 74 minutes. The captain controlled the ball with his left foot to lose his marker, before unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the area. The keeper could only touch the ball with his fingertips, as it went through into the top corner.

On 38 minutes, Goh Youngjun lurked into the goalmouth to collect a neat pass from Hong Hyunseok, before making it 3-0 with a clinical finish. Korea Republic stayed in control of the game in the remaining minutes to round off yet another convincing victory.

Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

Group E

Korea Republic 3-0 Bahrain

Goals: Lee Hanbeom 61’, Paik Seungho 74’, Goh Youngjun 83’

KOR: Min Seongjun, Park Kyuhyun, Kim Taehyeon, Lee Hanbeom, Choi Jun, Jeong Wooyeong (Song Minkyu 63’), Jung Hoyeon (Paik Seungho 63’), Hong Hyunseok, An Jaejun (Seol Youngwoo 79’), Cho Youngwook (Bak Jaeyong 63), Lee Kangin (Goh Youngjun 36’)