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Team Bento breeze past China
20. Jul. 2022 21:00:19 686
Korea Republic men’s national team opened their campaign with a victory over China PR.
Paulo Bento’s charges defeated China PR 3-0 in their first match of the EAFF E-1 Championship at Toyota Stadium in Nagoya, Japan on Wednesday. They took the lead through an own goal from the Chinese before Kwon Changhoon and Cho Guesung struck in the second half. Korea Republic are scheduled to meet Hong Kong on Sunday before taking on Japan on Wednesday.
The Taegeuk Warriors are aiming to retain the title for a fourth time in succession in this tournament, where Bento hopes to test the players based in the K League whilst overcoming archrivals Japan to achieve the goal. They did make a step forward, with a flying start against China in the opening match.
These finals take place outside the A-match calendar scheduled by FIFA, which means the players based overseas must have the permission from their clubs to take part in. And as it turned out, Kwon Kyungwon (Gamba Osaka) was the only one who made it as the squad was almost filled with the players from the K League.
Bento opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation against China: Cho Guesung up front as a lone striker flanked by Na Sangho and Um Wonsang; Hwang Inbeom, Paik Seungho and Kwon Changhoon in midfield; Kim Jinsu, Kwon Kyungwon, Cho Yumin and Yoon Jonggyu at the back; Kim Dongjun between the posts. Defender Cho Yumin and goalkeeper Kim Dongjun made their first international appearance.
Korea Republic struggled to open the deadlock despite making no fewer than nine attempts on goal in the first half. Na and Hwang were denied by Han Jiaqi, whilst Cho failed to guide his shots twice on target. They did take a slim lead on 39 minutes, through an own goal from Chinese captain Zhu Chenjie.
They went on to extend their lead nine minutes into the second half. Kim Jinsu connected Hwang’s cross with a header into the path of an onrushing Kwon, who converted it with his left foot. The Chinese, mostly with the players under 23, fought back to reduce the deficit.
Bento made a few changes during the second period, looking to rest his key players whilst testing some new faces. Song Minkyu and Goh Youngjoon came off the bench on 65 minutes, before Kang Sungjin and Kim Moonhwan were brought on eight minutes later. Kim Jingyu then came on for Hwang, as the midfield was completely reshuffled. Goh and Kang were given Korea Republic debuts alongside Cho Yumin and Kim Dongjun.
Cho had been uncharacteristically quiet during the first half, but the striker made no mistake from the crucial chance with ten minutes remaining. Goh put Cho through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, and the Gimcheon Sangmu marksman made it 3-0 with a clinical finish to round off the comprehensive victory.
2022 EAFF E-1 Championship
China PR 0-3 Korea Republic
Scorers: Zhu Chenjie 39’ (o.g.); Kwon Changhoon 54’, Cho Guesung 80’
KOR: Kim Dongjun; Kim Jinsu, Kwon Kyungwon, Cho Yumin, Yoon Jonggyu; Paik Seungho; Na Sangho (Song Minkyu 65’), Hwang Inbeom (Kim Jingyu 81’), Kwon Changhoon (Goh Youngjoon 65’), Um Wonsang (Kang Sungjin 73’); Cho Guesung
Men’s national team for E-1 Championship announced
Team Bento claim 3-0 win over Hong Kong