International friendlies wrap: Korea Republic continue streak

The Korea Republic stretched their unbeaten run to 11 matches with a 2-1 friendly win over Serbia in Seoul on Friday.

Despite a penalty shootout loss in the Asian Cup semi-final at the hands of Japan back in January, Cho Kwang-Rae’s side entered the match without having tasted defeat in 90 minutes since a 1-0 friendly loss to Iran in September 2010.

They continued their impressive form against Serbia, who had their own unbeaten run of four matches broken.

Park Chu-Young’s 10th minute opener handed the hosts the initiative at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and when Kim Young-Gwon found the back of the net nine minutes into the second half, a victory for the Korea Republic seemed a formality.

Serbia worked their way back into the match as manager Vladimir Petrovic made a host of changes, yet it was one of the four players who remained on the pitch for the entire match, Radoslav Petrovic, that grabbed their goal with three minutes to play.

It led to a nervy final few moments for the hosts but they hung onto their victory.

In the day’s other friendlies, two goals in six second-half minutes saw Hong Kong’s clash with Malaysia finish 1-1.

Siu Ki Chan scored for Hong Kong after 60 minutes but the 586 home fans were disappointed when they allowed the visitors to score a quick reply, courtesy of Abdul Yahya with 24 minutes remaining.