Asian Cup: South Korea 2 Bahrain 1

Goals either side of half-time from Koo Ja-Cheol helped South Korea beat Bahrain 2-1 in the Asian Cup’s Group C on Monday.

South Korea benefited from a lucky deflection for Koo’s first in the 39th minute, but it was no less than they deserved after dominating Bahrain from the outset at the Al-Gharafa Stadium.

The inventive Chung-Yong Lee fired a pass straight into Jeju United midfielder Koo, who turned in the box and shot first time.

The ball hit a defender and ballooned over Bahrain goalkeeper Mahmood Mansoor, leaving him with no chance.

South Korea were two goals up six minutes into the second half, when a rasping, long-range drive from Celtic fullback Cha Du-Ri – outstanding throughout – was only parried by Mansoor.

An onrushing Koo gratefully accepted the follow-up to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the match beyond doubt.

But Bahrain ensured a nervy finish for South Korea by pulling a goal back against the run of play with seven minutes remaining.

Kwak Tae-Hwi pulled down substitute Abdulla Adnan Aldakeel inside the box and received a straight red card from referee Abdullah Al Hilali.

Fawzi Aaish smashed home the resulting spot kick, and from nowhere the world number 93 side were within one goal of stealing an unlikely point.

But it proved too late for Bahrain to get back into the match and South Korea rode out the remaining minutes with ease.

They join Australia on three points from one match played, but will now be without the suspended Kwak when they meet the Socceroos on Friday for a group decider between two of pre-tournament favourites.