Seoul hosts South Korea against Uruguay during the September international window, with both sides using the fixture to reset after sharply different opening results and with European club workloads still shaping selection decisions.
| Fixture or reference | Result or date |
|---|---|
| South Korea v Uruguay | Seoul, September international window |
| South Korea v Ecuador | 3-0 |
| Japan v Uruguay | 3-1 |
| United States v Peru | 4-1 |
| Uruguay defender’s senior debut | 10 September 2013 |
South Korea coach Robert Moreno has recalled Son after the Atlético Madrid player was left out of the Ecuador friendly to manage his workload. The federation said the decision had been agreed with the player, who had little recovery time after the Madrid derby and the long journey to the national team’s Seoul base. Kang In-Lee remains unavailable, but Son is back in the starting side for the Taeguk Warriors.
Uruguay seek a response after Japan defeat
Diego Forlán’s Uruguay arrive needing a more convincing performance after losing 3-1 to Japan. Federico Valverde’s absence has left adjustments to make, while the problems exposed at the World Cup were again evident in that defeat. Maxi Araújo has nevertheless continued his strong spell and offers a positive note for the visitors.
A defender on loan at Deportivo from Atlético Madrid is set to make his 100th Uruguay appearance in Seoul. He first played for the senior side aged 18 on 10 September 2013, having come through at Danubio. Thirteen years on, he reaches the milestone with four World Cups and four Copa América tournaments behind him.
Ellis adds another selection question
Justin Ellis made an immediate impact for the United States, scoring on his debut in the 4-1 win over Peru. The 19-year-old forward has a Uruguayan mother, and his emergence has renewed discussion over bringing in players who were not raised within Uruguay’s youth system.
Forlán travelled to Orlando to watch Ellis during this international break and attempt to persuade him to represent Uruguay. The South Korea match therefore comes with more than a response to Japan at stake: it is another chance for Uruguay’s evolving group to establish a clearer direction.
