South Korea’s latest international test in Ulsan became a demanding evening for Robert Moreno’s side, with Venezuela taking greater control after the break and pushing the hosts deep into their own half. For a squad carrying European-club names such as Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min, the match was another audition in a run of fixtures that will shape the route towards the 2027 Asian Cup.
Venezuela seize the second-half initiative
- Venezuela opened the second half with Yangel Herrera shooting over the crossbar, setting the tone for a period in which the visitors had more possession and territory.
- Oswaldo Vizcarrondo’s team repeatedly worked the flanks, with Mendoza particularly influential down the left and willing to drive at defenders.
- South Korea had a goal ruled out after a corner, with the referee penalising a foul on goalkeeper Joel Contreras.
- Cho Hyun-taek then missed a major opportunity at the far post, directing a left-footed attempt wide when much of the stadium expected the net to bulge.
- Venezuela made a change as Carmona replaced Alfonzo, while Lee Kang-in was booked.
- Mendoza sent a low free-kick narrowly beyond the post, before Cristian Cásseres tested Song Bum-keun with a long-range set piece that the goalkeeper punched away.
The match had begun at pace, although fouls regularly broke up play whenever either side threatened to expose space. South Korea’s crowd rose whenever the home side advanced, with Son attempting to pick out Oh Hyeon-gyu from the right before Venezuela cleared.
Kevin Kelsy was also involved in an early attacking moment but was crowded out as he tried to carry the ball into the penalty area. He had been highlighted before kick-off after scoring from a Luis Balbo move, with the forward seeking to establish himself as Venezuela’s central striker for this new cycle.
As the contest developed, however, South Korea struggled to retain the ball beyond their own half. Son tried to create openings through individual dribbles and carries, but Venezuela were increasingly comfortable combining quickly and delivering crosses towards the box.
A significant window for South Korea
This was South Korea’s third friendly of the international break and their second successive meeting with South American opposition. Moreno’s team had opened the sequence with an encouraging 3-0 win over Ecuador, only to suffer a 4-1 defeat against Uruguay. Uzbekistan remain to come before the window closes.
The Spanish coach is attempting to persuade the Korean federation that he should lead the team into the Asian Cup at the beginning of 2027. Results during his spell have been mixed, making each friendly another opportunity to demonstrate that his ideas can translate into a settled side.
Son had arrived in strong scoring form for his country, finding the net in both earlier fixtures. His goal against Ecuador came directly from a free-kick struck into the top corner from a difficult angle. He also scored against Uruguay despite uncertainty over whether he made the decisive touch. His performances, alongside his form with Los Angeles FC, have underlined his continuing importance to the national team.
Lee Kang-in’s status remains similarly prominent. His move to Atlético de Madrid has made him an even more visible figure at home, with the announcement driving online interest and shirt sales in South Korea. Despite his age, the attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the country’s leading football figures.
Venezuela’s longer rebuild
For Venezuela, this was only their second match of the break after failing to win against Japan. Vizcarrondo has not yet produced the results he wants, but has continued to alter elements of the team as he searches for a formula capable of lifting the side over a longer process.
The squad has promising younger players coming through, and the performance in Ulsan suggested a side prepared to take the ball, press its advantage and make South Korea defend for prolonged spells.
Starting line-ups in Ulsan
| South Korea | Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Song Bum-keun; Lee Han-beom, Park Jin-seob, Kim Min-jae; Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, Cho Hyun-taek; Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-su, Oh Hyeon-gyu | Contreras; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Quintero, Balbo; Herrera, Cásseres; Alfonzo, Kelsy, Mendoza; Ramírez |
South Korea’s emerging generation
While the senior side continues to search for consistency, South Korea’s under-23 team has reached the Asian Games final against Japan. They secured their place with a late victory over China in the semi-finals, and Swansea forward Ji-Sung Eom has been among the players attracting attention through his goals and performances.
