Seoul’s World Cup Stadium had offered South Korea a bright start under Robert Moreno, but Uruguay turned the mood sharply on its next international night. The hosts, fresh from a 3-0 win over Ecuador in Moreno’s first match, were beaten 4-1 as Darwin Núñez ended a long personal wait for a national-team goal.
Uruguay find their answer in Seoul
The result gave Uruguay their first victory of the year after a run of four draws and two defeats. Their approach was forceful from the opening stages: they pressed South Korea high up the pitch and defended with the solidity the visitors had lacked in earlier outings.
- South Korea 1-4 Uruguay
- Venue: Seoul World Cup Stadium
- South Korea had defeated Ecuador 3-0 in Robert Moreno’s opening game as coach.
- Uruguay arrived without a win that year, having drawn four and lost two.
- South Korea conceded three times before half-time.
Kang-in Lee and the South Korean side were unable to contain Uruguay’s attacking threat, with the home defence repeatedly exposed during the first half. What had looked like a promising new beginning for Moreno’s team became a difficult lesson against opponents who imposed their physical and defensive authority.
Núñez ends a two-year international drought
Darwin Núñez struck in the 13th minute, a goal carrying significance beyond the scoreline. He had gone close to two years without finding the net for Uruguay, and his early finish helped restore confidence both to the forward and to the wider squad.
Uruguay’s four goals made Seoul an especially useful stop after their winless sequence, while South Korea were brought back down after the encouragement generated by their Ecuador result.
Atlético connection after the final whistle
There was also a club-football thread running through the international fixture. Kang-in Lee faced José María Giménez, the Atlético de Madrid central defender who is on loan at Deportivo de La Coruña.
After the match, the two Atlético players exchanged shirts in an image shared widely by supporters. Giménez had particular reason to leave happier after Uruguay’s emphatic win, as he continues to recover his form during his spell with Deportivo.
