South Korea and China played out a scoreless draw in their East Asian Cup men’s match on Wednesday.
The hosts, playing their second consecutive scoreless draw in the men’s matches at the regional event, were frustrated by the visitors, who crowded their own area at Hwaseong Stadium just south of Seoul.
In a back-and-forth first half, South Korea threatened in the 13th minute when Han Kook-young unleashed a shot from midfield that forced ’keeper Zeng Cheng to make a tough diving save.
Photo: AFP
In the 27th, Seo Dong-hyeon set up Yun Il-lok for a hard shot just inside the area, but Zeng came through with another big save.
China dominated the ball after the half-hour mark, but failed to get a shot past South Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong.
South Korea were back on the prowl in the tail end of the opening half, with Cho Young-cheol barely missing the near post with his left foot just outside the area.
The hosts continued to press in the latter half. Seo Dong-hyeon had a wide-open chance near the penalty spot, but he weakly shot right at Zeng.
In the 73rd, Yeom Ki-hun’s sharp free-kick from the top of the box was punched out by the diving Zeng. Eight minutes later, substitute Go Moo-yul saw his header go over the bar.
South Korea will close out the tournament against Japan, while China’s finale will be against Australia. Both matches will be in Seoul on Sunday.
Of the four men’s participants, only China have failed to qualify for the next year’s World Cup finals.
Earlier on Wednesday, China’s women’s team defeated their South Korea rivals 2-1, as substitute Li Ying scored the winning goal in the 67th minute for her country’s first win of the tournament.
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