Korea Republic have warmed up for the finals of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament with a series of friendlies against Argentina and France.

Kim Hagbum’s charges lost 2-1 against France in Seoul on Friday, after holding favourites Argentina to a 2-2 draw in Yongin on Tuesday. The Taegeuk Warriors depart for Tokyo on Saturday, before opening their Group B campaign against New Zealand (22 July), Romania (25 July) and then Honduras (28 July).

Taegeuk Warriors suffer late comeback by France

Kim opted for a cautious approach against Les Bleus, who they might come across again should they reach the quarter-finals. One of his overaged players, Hwang Uijo led the attack up front, flanked by Kwon Changhoon, Lee Kangin and Um Wonsang. Kim Donghyun and Jeong Seungwon took defensive roles in midfield, in front of the back four of Kang Yoonseong, Lee Sangmin, Jeong Taewook, Lee Youhyeon and goalkeeper Song Bumkeun.

The hosts made a defensive approach to the game against the French, searching for their chances through quick counters and set-pieces. Centre back Lee Sangmin glanced a header just wide from a corner, before Hwang dragged a low shot straight at Paul Bernardoni midway through the opening period. The men in red managed to soak up the pressure from the visitors, as the first half ended in a goalless draw.

Coach Kim reshuffled his side during the interval, bringing on Song Minkyu, Lee Dongjun and Won Dujae for Lee Kangin, Um Wonsang and Kim Donghyun respectively. With Song fielded on the left wing, Kwon moved to a central midfield role, whilst Lee Dongjun created chances with his runs on the right flank and into the box.

The deadlock was finally broken on 63 minutes, when Lee broke into the right side of the area before being brought down with only the keeper to beat. Kwon stepped up for the resulting penalty, which he calmly converted with his left foot to make it 1-0.

The goal left the match wide open, as the hosts geared up to double their advantage midway through the second half. Substitutes Song and Lee Donggyeong combined to create a crucial opportunity from the left channel, as the former found the latter lurking into the edge of the area. However, Lee’s powerful effort from just outside the box was denied by a fingertip save from Bernardoni.

With only ten minutes remaining, Kim Jinya came off the bench to replace Hwang as Lee Dongjun moved up front as a false nine. But the hosts could not hold on to protect the slim lead, as substitutes Randal Kolo Muani and Nathanael Mbuku struck for the visitors in the closing minutes.

Last-gasp Um scores dramatic equaliser

Earlier on Tuesday, the Taegeuk Warrors twice came from behind to hold tournament favourites Argentina 2-2 in Yongin.

Alexis Mac Allister capitalised on some sloppy defending to draw first blood with a scorching shot after 12 minutes, before Lee Donggyeong made it 1-1 with an audacious effort midway through the first half.

Carlos Valenzuela curled home to put his side ahead ten minutes after the restart, but the hosts fought back with an attacking trio of Hwang Uijo, Kwon Changhoon and Lee Kangin coming off the bench on the hour mark.

The men in red finally drew level deep into added time, when Um Wonsang latched onto a loose ball from a corner to fire home his first goal for Team Hagbum.

Korea Republic 1-2 France

Seoul World Cup Stadium, 16 July 2021

Scorers: Kwon Changhoon 63’ (pen); Muani 84’, Mbuku 89’

KOR: Song Bumkeun; Kang Yoonseong, Lee Sangmin, Jeong Taewook, Lee Youhyeon; Kim Donghyun (Won Dujae 46’), Jeong Seungwon (Kim Jingyu 64’); Kwon Changhoon (Lee Donggyeong 64’), Lee Kangin (Song Minkyu 46’), Um Wonsang (Lee Dongjun 46’, Seol Youngwoo 86’); Hwang Uijo (Kim Jinya 82’)

Korea Republic 2-2 Argentina

Yongin Mir Stadium, 13 July 2021

Scorers: Lee Donggyeong 35’, Um Wonsang 90’+2; Mac Allister 12’, Valenzuela 55’

KOR: Ahn Joonsoo; Seol Youngwoo (Lee Youhyeon 46’), Jeong Taewook, Kim Jaewoo, Kim Jinya; Kim Donghyun (Jeong Seungwon 46’), Won Dujae (Kang Yoonseong 87’); Um Wonsang, Lee Donggyeong (Lee Kangin 59’), Song Minkyu (Kwon Changhoon 59’); Lee Dongjun (Hwang Uijo 59’)