After a goalless first half, Korea Republic coach Shin Tae-yong made six changes to the side that began the encounter at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium but it was a player in the original starting 11 that broke the deadlock, with an unmarked Lee Yeong-jae opening the scoring just after the hour mark following an assist from Jin Seong-uk.
Agencies
Dubai
Korea Republic scored two second-half goals to defeat the United Arab Emirates 2-0 on Monday in a friendly match as both sides geared up for the forthcoming AFC U23 Championship, which kicks-off in Doha on January 12.
After a goalless first half, Korea Republic coach Shin Tae-yong made six changes to the side that began the encounter at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium but it was a player in the original starting 11 that broke the deadlock, with an unmarked Lee Yeong-jae opening the scoring just after the hour mark following an assist from Jin Seong-uk.
And with two minutes left to play Austria-based Hwang Hee-chan sealed the win with his first goal for the U-23s after Ryu Seung-woo and Kwon Chang-hoon combined to set up the 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg striker, who scored 11 times in 17 matches while on loan to second division FC Liefering earlier in the season.
"We struggled early on with the new match ball, but we were able to convert our chances toward the end," Korea Republic coach Shin told reporters.
"I am sure the players must be walking away with more confidence. I switched formations on the fly and the players made good adjustments.
"We can't reveal ourselves too much in these test matches," he said. "We will try to test our strategies and formations once again against Saudi Arabia."
Korea Republic will continue their preparations for the AFC U23 Championship when they face Saudi Arabia at the same venue on Thursday, before taking on Uzbekistan in their Group C opener against Uzbekistan on January 13. The UAE meanwhile kick-off their Group D campaign the following day against Australia.
Thais arrive in Qatar boosted by Tanaboon, Do return
Tanaboon, who can also play in midfield, and Do, who is usually deployed on the right side of defence, both play for Thai Premier League outfit BEC Tero Sasana and have emerged as key players for the senior national team, which Kiatisuk is also in charge of.
Agencies
Doha
There was plenty for Thailand to smile about as they arrived in Qatar in reparation for the upcoming AFC U23 Championship, after it was confirmed that Tanaboon Kesarat and Tristan Do have both returned to full fitness.
After completing their final training session on home soil at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Sunday morning, the Thais flew out that same evening for Qatar, where the AFC U23 Championship.
Last week, Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang had finalised his 23-man squad for the tournament, although there were lingering doubts over the availability of centre-back Tanaboon Kesarat and full-back Tristan Do.
Tanaboon, who can also play in midfield, and Do, who is usually deployed on the right side of defence, both play for Thai Premier League outfit BEC Tero Sasana and have emerged as key players for the senior national team, which Kiatisuk is also in charge of.
Speaking ahead of their departure from Bangkok on Sunday night, the War Elephants coach assured that the duo will both be 100 per cent ready for the tournament, and also provided insight into their final preparations ahead of their opening Group B game against Saudi Arabia on January 13.
“We had our last training session today (Sunday) to review all the tactics for one last time before heading off to Doha,” said Kiatisuk, according to Bangkok Post.
“Our only problem now is that we haven’t had enough warm-up matches to test our team.
“So, hopefully we can arrange some games before the Saudi Arabia opener.”
After their game against the Saudis, Thailand face off against giants Japan onJanuary 16 before finishing their Group B campaign against DPR Korea three days later.
