Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
8h ago

South Korea Beats Bolivia 2-0 on Son Free Kick, Cho Late Strike

The result underscored Hong Myung-bo’s rankings-first approach before the World Cup draw, featuring a back-four reset plus a pledge to sharpen the attack.

Hwang Hee-chan of South Korea (R) dribbles the ball against Bolivia during the teams' friendly football match at Daejeon World Cup Stadium in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 14, 2025. (Yonhap)
Lee Kang-in of South Korea (C) is grabbed by Roberto Fernandez of Bolivia (L) during the teams' friendly football match at Daejeon World Cup Stadium in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 14, 2025. (Yonhap)
South Korean players celebrate their 2-0 win over Bolivia in their friendly football match at Daejeon World Cup Stadium in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 14, 2025. (Yonhap)
Kim Jin-gyu of South Korea (C) controls the ball against Bolivia during the teams' friendly football match at Daejeon World Cup Stadium in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 14, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The friendly in Daejeon finished 2-0, with Hong reverting to a back-four setup after a run of matches with three at the back.
  • Son Heung-min curled in a free kick in the 57th minute and substitute Cho Gue-sung added an 88th-minute goal in his first cap since March 2024.
  • Hong said Bolivia were stronger than outsiders expected and labeled South Korea’s attacking patterns disappointing despite the win.
  • Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced key saves, intensifying his ongoing battle with Jo Hyeon-woo for the No. 1 spot ahead of the World Cup.
  • The KFA honored Lee Jae-sung’s 100th cap before kickoff, and Ghana is next as South Korea looks to protect its FIFA ranking for the draw.