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- Stalemate enough for Korea to secure World Cup berth
Stalemate enough for Korea to secure World Cup berth
There were no goals, but Korea Republic's draw in Uzbekistan means it is heading for a ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup finals appearance.
FIFA World Cup qualifier: Uzbekistan 0-0 Korea Republic
Korea Republic booked its ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia thanks to a nervy 0-0 draw in Uzbekistan.
The Taeguk Warriors missed the chance to confirm their spot last time out after being held to a goalless draw by 10-man Iran, which had already qualified from Group A.
Consequently, a three-way tussle for one remaining automatic qualifying berth ensued, with Korea, Uzbekistan and underdog Syria all in contention.
Syria secured a last-gasp 2-2 draw against Iran, but a point was enough for Korea in Tashkent to earn second place and secure a ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.
However, Uzbekistan's chances are over thanks to the late show from Syria, which now faces a two-legged contest with either Australia to reach an intercontinental play-off against CONCACAF opposition.
It could have been more comfortable for Korea, which saw Hwang Hee-chan and Son Heung-min rattle the woodwork, although Azizbek Haydarov also smashed an effort against the post for Uzbekistan.
But a point ultimately proved enough for Shin Tae-yong, who was taking charge of the team in his second match, to lead his side to Russia.
Korea almost went in front in just the second minute. Hwang took down a long throw-in on his chest and smashed an effort against the crossbar when shooting on the spin.
Uzbekistan settled into the match, though, and Haydarov was desperately unlucky to see a 30-yard piledriver cannon back off the left-hand post.
The hosts were let off the hook, though, when Jang Hyun-soo wastefully scuffed wide from 10 yards, having escaped his marker.
Incredibly, the woodwork was struck for the third time on the stroke of half-time as Son's effort from a tight angle was pushed onto the right post by Ignatiy Nesterov.
The second half became a scrappy affair, but a fine piece of interplay between Lee Keun-ho and Hwang led to the former bending an effort narrowly wide of the right post from the edge of the box just short of the hour mark.
Kim Min-woo then stung Nesterov's palms as the visitors built some momentum.
Alexander Geynrikh tested Kim Seung-gyu as Uzbekistan sought a late shock, while at the other end Lee Dong-gook nodded an effort against the bar and Son curled a presentable chance wide but it ultimately mattered little for Korea.












