In Seoul, Uruguay found the sharpness that had eluded them in Diego Forlán’s opening match as coach, sweeping past South Korea with a 4-1 friendly victory. The result was Forlán’s first win in charge in only his second game at the helm, built on Darwin Núñez’s two goals, a Giorgian de Arrascaeta strike and an own goal from Kim Min-jae.
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South Korea were beaten by Uruguay’s efficiency rather than a lack of resistance. Kang-in Lee, the Atlético de Madrid player, repeatedly carried the home side forward and caused Uruguay’s defence its most uncomfortable moments.
Several of his attempts either required intervention from the goalkeeper or passed narrowly wide. Even with the score at 4-0, Kang-in continued to seek a way back into the match for the hosts.
His persistence brought South Korea a late consolation in the 79th minute. Kang-in delivered a dangerous inswinging cross from the right and Son applied the decisive touch to put South Korea on the scoresheet.
Robert Moreno had left Kang-in out of the previous friendly but selected him from the start in Seoul. His ambition could not prevent a heavy defeat, however, as Uruguay made far better use of their opportunities.
Two more stops before Madrid
Kang-in remains with the South Korean squad for two further internationals before returning to Atlético de Madrid. South Korea face Venezuela on Friday at 13:00, followed by a meeting with Uzbekistan at the same time on Tuesday, 6 October.
