JEDDAH, 18 August 2005 — It was supposed to be a red-letter day for the Red Devils of South Korea. But as it turned out, the day ended in disappointment and a lot of red faces after Saudi Arabia beat South Korea 1-0 in Seoul yesterday.
The victory left Saudi Arabia on top of Group A at the end of the Asian World Cup qualifiers with 14 points from six matches, and also gave the Green Falcons a perfect two-for-two record in their head-to-head with the Devils in the tournament.
The defeat left South Korea coach Jo Bonfrere wondering if he would still be around for next year’s finals.
Saudi striker Mohammed Alanbar struck with a header in the fourth minute for the lone goal of the match.
After the Saudis scored, the Koreans became more aggressive and made several raids on the enemy goal.
But the Saudi defense stood well against the Korean attacks. The experienced Saudi goalkeeper Mabrood Zaied was on his toes each time a threat came up in a remarkable job.
Alanbar was just wide with another attempt in the 84th minute in what could have been another goal for the highly spirited Saudi side.
Meantime, Japan secured top spot in their World Cup qualifying group by beating Iran 2-1 at home in a virtually meaningless Group B game after both teams had already booked their tickets for Germany in 2006.
South Korea and Saudi Arabia also secured qualification two months ago but the Kingdom’s victory added to the pressure on the beleaguered Bonfrere.
His job could be in jeopardy after a string of mediocre results in qualifying and South Korea’s shock last-place finish at this month’s East Asian Championship.
Bonfrere was booed before kickoff but the Dutchman struck a defiant chord after the game.
“The fans forget very fast that we qualified for the World Cup,” he told reporters.
“I’m very hopeful that...we can have a successful World Cup.
That’s what I believe and I state that with 100 percent confidence.” South Korea’s proud record of appearing at every World Cup finals since 1986 was never seriously in doubt although a return of 10 points from six games has put Bonfrere’s future in doubt.
Saudi Arabia also defeated South Korea 2-0 in March.
The Koreans again looked a pale shadow of the side that reached the 2002 World Cup semifinals and the home team’s misery was compounded when Kim Dong-jin was sent off in the 75th minute.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) warned last week that it was monitoring the situation and would not ignore calls for Bonfrere’s dismissal forever.
Japan closed out their qualifying campaign with Akira Kaji and Masashi Oguro on target in sweltering Yokohama.
Iran talisman Ali Daei pulled one back from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time, his 105th goal in 141 internationals.
“We’ve had earthquakes, typhoons and political arguments along the way but we’ve come through,” Japan coach Zico told the 66,000 crowd at an emotional post-match ceremony.
“This team has the self-belief and the mental strength to overcome those sorts of obstacles. We still need to improve but finishing top will give us a lift before the World Cup.” Iran had beaten Japan 2-1 in Tehran in March but both sides were below full-strength for their final Group B match.
Japan finished with 15 points, two ahead of Iran. Bahrain were already assured of a playoff spot before their game at home to North Korea later on Wednesday.
Kuwait need a draw in Uzbekistan in another late match to earn the right to face Bahrain in the two-leg playoff which will be played on Sept. 2 and 7. The winners advance to a further playoff against the fourth-placed side from the CONCACAF region. (With additional input from Reuters)
