Korea draws with Kuwait in qualifier

Park Chu-young continues international scoring spree


South Korean striker Park Chu-young continued his goal scoring form at international level against Kuwait on Tuesday, but the team was held to a 1-1 draw in the 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Park, who scored a hat trick in a 6-0 trashing of Lebanon last week, gave Korea the lead just eight minutes into the game.

But facing strong a challenge from the Middle Eastern side and blistering weather, manager Cho Kwang-rae’s side was unable to keep its early lead and allowed an equalizer in the second half.

Playing at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Kuwait City, Korea got off to a fast start. Midfielder Nam Tae-hee ran through the right flank, before sending a ball into the middle of the box, and Ji Dong-won passed it into the path of Park.

And the 26-year-old, unmarked inside the box, made no mistake, lashing home a fine shot past the goalkeeper.

Korea, however, became sluggish and looked fragile after defender Cha Du-ri of Celtic limped off the field with an injury in the 16th minute.

In the first half, Kuwait had a couple of chances in Korea’s goal area, forcing fine saves from goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong. In the second half, the home side continually mounted attacks, and in the 53rd minute defender Hussain Fadel struck a loose ball past Jung to level the match.

Manger Cho said that full-back Cha’s early substitution made the game difficult. He also noted that the above 40 degree temperatures and soft ground led to a slower game.

But Cho acknowledged that his team needs to handle the extreme weather and ground conditions in order to survive the Asian qualifier.

There are five groups of four teams in the Asian qualifier for the 2014 World Cup with the top two teams from each group advancing to the final round. Korea is in Group B with Kuwait, Lebanon and the UAE.

With the draw on Tuesday, Korea currently tops the table with four points. Kuwait also with four points is second on goal difference. Lebanon is in third place with three points after defeating the UAE 3-1 on Tuesday.

But Cho and his players know hard work lies ahead as they have to play a series of away games against Middle Eastern countries. Korea is scheduled to play against UAE on Oct. 11.

One of the delights for Cho, however, is the fine form of captain Park. The 26-year-old, who recently joined the Premier League club Arsenal, scored four goals in two matches, proving his attacking prowess. The former AS Monaco striker has made into the 25-man roster for Arsenal, and also its squad for the European Champions League.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)