Korea Republic got off to a sluggish start to the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020. 

Kim Hagbum’s side lost 1-0 against New Zealand in their Group B opener against New Zealand at Kashima Stadium on Thursday, as they failed to find the net despite taking control of the game. Next up for the Taegeuk Warriors are Romania on Sunday, and then Honduras next Wednesday.

Veteran striker Hwang Uijo led the attack up front, flanked by Um Wonsang, Kwon Changhoon and Lee Kangin; Kim Donghyun and Won Dujae were deployed in central midfield, in front of Lee Youhyeon, Jeong Taewook, Lee Sangmin and Kang Yoonseong; Song Bumkeun between the sticks.

Korea Republic surged forward right from the off, whilst New Zealand sat back and lock their door with five defenders. The men in red piled pressure in order to break the deadlock, creating a couple of chances from the flanks.

Kwon twice came close to scoring within five minutes midway through the first half. The Suwon playmaker saw his effort denied by the defensive wall of the Kiwis on 18 minutes, before miscuing a point-blank volley following a Kang cross from the left.

Despite enjoying more of the possession, the Taegeuk Warriors still struggled to convert their chances. Hwang glanced a header straight at the goalkeeper on 41 minutes, before another cross from Kang was wasted by Kwon on the stroke of half time.

The second half began in similar fashion for the Koreans, who then opted for some long balls to create more opportunities to score. Coach Kim went on to add more options from his arsenal on the hour mark, introducing Song Minkyu, Lee Dongjun and Lee Donggyeong to replace Kwon, Um and Lee Kangin respectively.

Dongjun and Donggyeong made instant impact upon their arrival, with the Ulsan duo combining to find a breakthrough against the stubborn defence. Dongjun found Donggyeong lurking into the edge of the area, but the powerful effort from the No10 was only to be blocked by Winston Reid.

However, it was the Kiwis that drew first blood against the run of play on 70 minutes. Joe Bell’s shot from outside the area was deflected by Jeong and into the path of an onrushing Chris Wood, who latched on to the loose ball from close range. The goal stood after a VAR review on offside.

After taking a slim advantage, New Zealand strengthened their rearguard to protect the lead. The Koreans, for their part, were desperate for an equaliser, but somehow unable to break through the white wall. Song then failed to connect with a cutback from Donggyeong as the second half wore on.

Kim Hagbum turned to the aerial prowess of Jeong Taewook, deploying the tall centre-back up front whilst bringing another defender Park Jisu on for Kang on 87 minutes. But it proved too little, too late for them to reduce the deficit in the closing minutes.

Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020

Group B

Korea Republic 0-1 New Zealand

Scorer: Wood 70’

KOR: Song Bumkeun; Kang Yoonseong (Park Jisu 87’), Lee Sangmin, Jeong Taewook, Lee Youhyeon; Kim Donghyun (Jeong Seungwon 78’), Won Dujae; Kwon Changhoon (Song Minkyu 59’), Lee Kangin (Lee Donggyeong 59’), Um Wonsang (Lee Dongjun 59’); Hwang Uijo

Photo = FIFA/Getty Images