AFC Asian Cup - South Korea 1 Philippines 0 - Match Report
Hwang Ui-Jo's solitary strike handed South Korea a hard fought 1-0 win over The Philippines
Mitch Freeley
Hwang Ui-jo scored the decisive goal as South Korea just about made the most of their superiority to defeat Sven-Goran Eriksson's Philippines 1-0 in their 2019 Asian Cup Group C opener on Monday.
Paulo Bento's side were without Tottenham star Son Heung-min and they clearly missed their talisman against a well-organised Philippines, but South Korea's higher class eventually told in the second period.
Unfancied Philippines – playing their first ever game in the competition – certainly held their own in the first half, but after half-time they came unstuck, as Hwang ensured South Korea avoided a shock of any sort.
The first period was generally devoid of excitement before bursting into life in the final five minutes.
South Korea went close first, when Hwang turned just inside the area and saw a low drive saved by Michael Falkesgaard, before Javier Patino's sweetly struck volley on the break forced Kim Seung-gyu into action at the other end.
Hwang tested Falkesgaard again soon after, and although the ball squirmed through the goalkeeper's legs, the contact was enough to divert it away from goal.
Bento's men remained in the ascendancy after the break, but Philippines' threat on the counter was obvious and they nearly took a shock lead in the 53rd minute, only for Patino to produce a feeble finish at the end of a swift move.
South Korea's dominance paid off in the 67th minute – Hwang slotting home from close-range following Hwang Hee-chan's cut-back.
Goals/ Highlights
67' GOAL! Korea Republic 1, Philippines 0. Hwang Ui-Jo (Korea Republic) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the high centre of the goal. assisted by Hwang Hee-Chan.
Live Updates
Preamble
You have to love how the Philippines headed to a fried chicken restaurant before their big match! We are 30 minutes away from Kick-Off!
Keep the family tight ✊🏽 Sundays are for preparation, and restarting the mindset. Breathe it in, and let it all out! See you tomorrow Azkals fans! Let’s make some noise! 📣🔥
—#OneBlood#DreamTheImpossible#AsianCup2019
⚽️🇵🇭🐺 pic.twitter.com/37fFWTdCId — The Philippine Azkals (@TheAzkalsPH) January 6, 2019
The Excitement is brewing in the Philippines ahead of their first ever Asian Cup game! Just imagine if they could stun South Korea!
3-hours before kickoff.
This is it! It's back to basics tonight as one of the several @UltrasFilipinas nationwide who will show support for @TheAzkalsPH.#Azkals #AsianCup2019 #OneBlood #ToDreamTheImpossible #LabanPilipinas #UltrasFilipinas #UF12 #IkawNaLangAngKulang pic.twitter.com/LYTUhnsYU2 — Earl Averilla (@earlaverilla) January 7, 2019
Confirmation of the South Korean team... Paulo Bento seems to have gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
아시아정상을 위한 도전✨
"필리핀전 승리의 기운, Do you feel it?"
2019 AFC 아시안컵 조별리그 1차전 필리핀전!
🇰🇷축구 국가대표팀의 선발라인업을 공개합니다!
.
🇰🇷v🇵🇭#필리핀 1.7(월) 22:30
📺 JTBC, NAVER ⏰ 한국시간 기준
.#축구대표팀 #아시안컵 #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/6b2ln9D3IA — 대한축구협회(KFA) (@theKFA) January 7, 2019
Huge fan to this call to arms by the national team Twitter account! Expect plenty of fans in the stands today!
For all our Kababayans watching the match today, WEAR WHITE! See you all at Al-Maktoum Stadium! 🙌🏻
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🎨Fan art by: @romegrfx#OneBlood#DreamTheImpossible#AsianCup2019
⚽️🇵🇭🐺 pic.twitter.com/3NSWJ5t8Yg — The Philippine Azkals (@TheAzkalsPH) January 7, 2019
Team News! No Son Heung-min for South Korea, although keep an eye out for striker Hwang Ui-jo he has had a fantastic season with J-league side Gamba Osaka! As for the Philippines, Sven Goran Eriksson has opted for a 4-3-3 formation. Leading goalscorer Phil Younghusband has to settle for a place on the bench. Plenty of pressure is on Álvaro Silva. The Spanish born central defender will be aiming to halt the South Korean attack.
📝 🇰🇷 🆚 🇵🇭
Line-ups are in for the second #AsianCup2019 group C encounter pic.twitter.com/vavI4W14BR — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 7, 2019
This should get you in the mood for the game! Teams are just about to be announced!
Fan guide to #AsianCup2019 match between 🇰🇷 v 🇵🇭! pic.twitter.com/mDhpdV1Kb8 — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 7, 2019
So let's go! It's a special day if you are a fan of the Philippines! Just an hour away now from a first-ever appearance at the AFC Asian Cup! Not a fan of the Azkals (Street Dogs) you can read about them in this handy guide here!
Good afternoon! Welcome to the Live Updates of South Korea Vs Philippines at the 2019 Asian Cup! What a match we have in prospect with South Korea, considered one of the favourites for the crown face off against debutants Philippines in Dubai. We have seen a fair share of upsets so far, with Jordan beating Australia, India thrashing Thailand and Palastine getting a credible point against Syria. Can Sven Goran Eriksson inspire the South East Asian side to glory? Stick around for all the latest build up, team news, match commentary and Live Goals as the action unfolds in Dubai!
