Jurgen Klinsmann’s first win charge of Korea Republic remained elusive as his side lost against Uruguay in a friendly on Tuesday.

Korea Republic men’s national team suffered a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay in front of a sell-out crowd of 63,952 at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Hwang Inbeom cancelled out Sebastian Coates’ 10th minute opener early in the second half, before Matias Vecino grabbed the winner on 63 minutes.

Having fought out a 2-2 draw with Colombia on Friday, Korea Republic wrapped up the two-game series with a draw and a defeat. The national team will be called up again for the international friendlies scheduled in June.

It was a return match for the sides that had crossed swords during the group stage at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where they shared the spoils after a goalless draw in the opening match in November. The group saw both sides finish level on four points, with Korea Republic leapfrogging the Uruguayans into second place by virtue of more goals scored to reach the round of 16.

Four months on, the sides renewed their acquaintance under somewhat different circumstances. Korea Republic remained almost the same side despite the recent managerial change, whereas Uruguay had a new-look squad under the guidance of interim coach Marcelo Broli who had ruled out the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin whilst Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo could not make the trip due to injuries.

Klinsmann made four changes to the team that had faced Colombia last week, starting Hwang Uijo up front and Lee Kangin in midfield. Fullback Lee Kije replaced injured Kim Jinsu on the left flank, and Jo Hyeonwoo got the nod ahead of Kim Seunggyu between the sticks.

Uruguay surged forward from the outset, and their attack-minded approach paid dividends after ten minutes: Federico Valverde’s corner from the right was converted with a clinical header by Sebastian Coates from close range.

Despite the early blow the host immediately fought back with Lee Kangin stealing the show in the middle of the park. Four minutes later, Lee collected Son Heungmin’s pass with a sublime turn before unleashing a left-footed shot from the goalmouth. Lee then broke into the centre of the area from the right channel, only to drag a crucial effort straight at Santiago Mele.

However, the hosts were dealt another blow midway through the second half, when Jung Wooyoung was stretchered off to be replaced by Son Junho on 34 minutes. Korea Republic were desperate to claw their way back into it. On 38 minutes, Lee Kije latched onto Lee Kangin’s cross from the right, only to see his powerful effort swerve just wide of the right post.

Korea Republic finally restored parity six minutes into the second half, when Hwnag Inbeom finished off from Lee Kije’s low cross following a goalmouth scramble.

But Uruguay took the lead once again 12 minutes later, with Matias Vecino latching onto a loose ball after Jo Hyeonwoo had parried away a free-kick by Joaquin Piquerez from the edge of the area.

Klinsmann responded by bringing Oh Hyeongyu on for Hwang Uijo to reinforce the attack, as the substitute linked with Lee Kangin to create chances to draw level again.

However, the luck was not on the hosts’ side. Kim Younggwon thought he had pulled one back with a pointblank header on 73 minutes, but the centre-back was adjudged to have fouled the goalkeeper after a VAR review. Oh Hyeongyu then saw his goal ruled out for an offside 11 minutes later, after collecting a Lee Kangin cross and firing the ball into the top corner.

And seven minutes of added time was not enough for Korea Republic to reduce the deficit, although Cho Guesung came off the bench to lead the waves of attack in the closing minutes.

Korea Republic national team friendly presented by Hana Bank

Korea Republic 1-2 Uruguay

Scorers: Hwang Inbeom 51’; Sebastian Coates 10’, Matias Vecino 63’

KOR: Jo Hyeonwoo, Lee Kije, Kim Younggwon, Kim Minjae, Kim Taehwan, Jung Wooyoung (Son Junho 34’), Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung (Cho Guesung 90’+1), Son Heungmin, Lee Kangin, Hwang Uijo (Oh Hyeongyu 73’)