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Standing Tall

January 27, 2014

6′ 6″ striker Kim Shin-wook scores the decisive goal

as S. Korea defeats Costa Rica 1-0 at L.A. Coliseum

Korean players run toward Kim Shin-wook (No. 9) who scored the goal to celebrate. (Yonhap)

Korean players run toward Kim Shin-wook (No. 9) who scored the goal to celebrate. (Yonhap)

(UPDATED) — South Korea defeated Costa Rica 1-0, thanks to an early goal in their World Cup tune-up match in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Towering 6-foot-6 striker Kim Shin-wook’s goal in the 10th minute stood as the winner at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, as South Korea enjoyed an encouraging start to its preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Costa Rica had two players ejected in late in the second half.

Without key European based players such as Son Heung-min and Lee Chung-yong, who will surely be included in the World Cup squad barring injury, “Players exceeded my expectation,” team manager Hong Myung-bo said. “Today’s match was important in terms of not only the result but also the performance. I’m glad that we won. Players tried hard and they did it.”

Go Yo-han’s short right cross connected to Kim’s sliding right foot after 10 minutes to hit the net of the Central American side.

“I just played my role,” Kim said. “I should have scored more. I missed many chances which I shouldn’t have. I will remember today’s play and won’t make the same mistakes.”

Costa Rica provided little threat – managing only three weak shots in the entire 90 minutes.

One Comment

  1. sukiyaki

    January 26, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    Been there,done that….purchased the ticket from the korea times..kind of boring game with mediocre players..I will not go to next round in home depot..better watch peyton manning in super bowl..

    Reply