Korea Republic men’s national team got off the a flying start with a series of comprehensive wins ahead of their qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup finals.

Paulo Bento’s side defeated Moldova 4-0 in a friendly at Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey on Friday, with Kim Jingyu, Paik Seungho, Kwon Changhoon and Cho Youngwook on target. The latter scored his first international goal on his Korea Republic debut, whilst the rest netted two goals in as many games. Notably, Kim had opened his account on his debut against Iceland before adding another this time around, much to the delight of of his gaffer.

Having rounded off a series of friendlies with Iceland and Moldova, Korea Republic are set to take on Lebanon on 27 February and then Syria on 1 February as they resume their qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup.

Bento opted for two strikers – Cho Guesung and Kim Gunhee – up front, a bold move to prepare for the back three of Lebanon who they are up against in the seventh match of the final qualifying round. It was a good opportunity to test the partnership against the Lebanese, as Moldova also deployed three defenders in the afternoon.

The strikers were flanked by Song Minkyu, Kim Jingyu and Kwon Changhoon, with Paik Seungho given a defensive midfield role. Kim Jinsu, Kim Younggwon, Park Jisu and Lee Yong at the back; Kim Seunggyu on goal.

Korea Republic went out strong right from the off, with both fullbacks marauding on the flanks to provide ammunition for the striking duo. But they were unable to create any clear-cut chances against the stubborn resistance from the Moldovans. Paik then saw his audacious effort swerve away from the target.

And it took 20 minutes for the Koreans to take the lead. Kwon broke into the right side of the area to send a right-footed cross, which Cristian Avram could only get a hand on, whilst Kim Jingyu lurked into the opposite side of the box to latch onto the loose ball.

Korea Republic doubled their advantage on 33 minutes. It was a deadly free-kick from Paik, who curled a low shot from near the D as the ball sailed past Kim Gunhee who was standing near the wall of defenders.

The men in red did not rest on the two-goal cushion, but the kept up the pressure after the interval. A fantastic team goal followed three minutes into the second half. Kwon again broke into the right channel exchanging quick one-twos with Cho Guesung and Kim Gunhee, before curling the ball into the top corner to put a rare smile on Bento’s face.

Bento then used up his substitutions, making four changes to bring on Cho Youngwook, Lee Dongjun, Kim Taehwan and Hong Chul on the hour mark, before Kwon Kyungwon and Ko Seungbeom came off the bench on 71 minutes. Cho and Ko were given their international debut with the reshuffle.

With more than half of the squad replaced, the national team needed some time to adjust midway through the second half. Lee Dongjun attempted to break with his speed as Cho Youngwook found space behind the opposition rearguard, but neither of them could convert the chances.

However, Cho finally broke his duck deep into added time, after his right-footed effort ricocheted off the left post. The referee awarded a penalty in the process, as Cho converted the resulting spot-kick to score his first goal on his Korea Republic debut.

International friendly presented by Hana Bank

Korea Republic 4-0 Moldova

Scorers: Kim Jingyu 20’, Paik Seungho 33’, Kwon Changhoon 48’, Cho Youngwook 90’+3

KOR: Kim Seunggyu; Kim Jinsu (Hong Chul 61’), Kim Younggwon (Kwon Kyungwon 71’), Park Jisu, Lee Yong (Kim Taehwan 61’); Paik Seungho (Ko Seungbeom 71’); Song Minkyu, Kim Jingyu, Kwon Changhoon (Lee Dongjun 61’); Cho Guesung (Cho Youngwook 61’), Kim Gunhee