It was a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same as South Korea recorded another unconvincing 1-0 win over Middle East opposition yesterday to qualify for the Asian Cup quarter-finals.
Attacking midfielder Nam Tae-hee headed the only goal in the 36th minute as South Korea held off a spirited charge from Kuwait at a wet Canberra Stadium to temporarily jump to the top of Group A.
Injury and illness had led to most of Uli Stielike’s seven changes from the 1-0 win over Oman, but his replacements failed to sparkle against inferior opposition, with Kuwait causing several moments of concern and coming close to snatching a draw.
Photo: AFP
A drab South Korea-dominated first half burst into life on the half-hour mark when former Asian Player of the Year Lee Keun-ho finally found space to burst clear behind the Kuwait defense, only to have his shot tipped over by goalkeeper Hameed Youssef.
Six minutes later, though, the twice Asian champions were in front. Experienced fullback Cha Du-ri rampaged up the right and Nam met his cross at the near post to break the deadlock.
Those were rare moments of enterprise in a turgid first half in which South Korea surprisingly opted for long, hopeful balls forward which provided little concern for the deep lying Kuwait defenders.
The second half began with far more vigor as Kuwait, who were thumped 4-1 by hosts Australia in their Group A opener on Friday last week, showed some attacking endeavor with their campaign on the line.
Forward Ali al-Maqseed rattled the far post with a rasping drive four minutes into the second period to serve warning, with the long-haired attacker brilliantly turning to fashion another opportunity on the hour mark which he wastefully curled high and wide.
Kuwait coach Nabil Maaloul brought on talented striker Bader al-Mutawa with 25 minutes remaining as the game opened up into an entertaining contest, with goalkeeper Hameed and his opposite number Kim Seung-gyu both regularly called into action.
Lee Keun-ho was left unmarked to head just wide in the 74th minute, while Park Joo-ho’s long range shot eight minutes later was parried away by Hameed as South Korea failed to close out the contest.
Al-Mutawa also had a growing influence down the other end as Kuwait pressed for the goal, but South Korea held firm.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and