On October 14, South Korea’s national football team faced Bolivia in a friendly match at Daejeon World Cup Stadium, securing a 2-0 victory. The 22nd-ranked South Korean team overcame the 76th-ranked Bolivia thanks to two second-half goals.
Decisive Goals by Son Heung-min and Cho Gue-sung
Son Heung-min opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a stunning free-kick. This spectacular goal shifted the momentum of the match. Cho Gue-sung followed up with a decisive second goal in the 88th minute, marking his return to international play after overcoming a knee surgery.
Match Summary
- Date: October 14
- Location: Daejeon World Cup Stadium
- Final Score: South Korea 2 – 0 Bolivia
- Goals:
- 57th Minute: Son Heung-min (Free-kick)
- 88th Minute: Cho Gue-sung
- South Korea’s FIFA Ranking: 22
- Bolivia’s FIFA Ranking: 76
Match Highlights
Initially, the first half ended in a stalemate, with South Korea struggling to break through Bolivia’s defense. In contrast, Bolivia, which sits seventh in the South American World Cup qualifiers, had previously upset Brazil in a recent match but has faced difficulties on the road, losing eight of its last nine away games.
Son’s opening goal showcased his exceptional skill. Not only did it boost the team’s confidence, but it also drew him closer to a milestone, as he now has 54 goals for the national team, just four behind the record held by Cha Bum-kun.
Cho Gue-sung’s Inspirational Return
Cho Gue-sung was a standout story in the match. After a long recovery from knee surgery, he made his return to the team and scored his first goal in 20 months. His determination to return to the field and contribute to the team’s success was evident as he netted the final goal.
Upcoming Challenges and Rankings
With this victory, South Korea aims to maintain its position within the top two pots for the upcoming World Cup draw. The next match against Ghana on October 14 will be crucial for determining their FIFA ranking, affecting their chances of avoiding strong teams in the tournament draw.
Finally, while fewer fans attended this match compared to previous events, the turnout was promising, with approximately 33,852 supporters present in the 40,000-seat stadium.
As the team prepares for future matches, success in the friendly against Bolivia is a positive sign for the ongoing journey toward the World Cup.
