Provo: Fresh off a win over Trinidad and Tobago, South Korea will aim to build momentum in their final World Cup tuneup against El Salvador. World No. 25 South Korea will face 100th-ranked El Salvador at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, at 7 p.m. Wednesday (local time) or 10 a.m. Thursday (South Korean time).
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea secured a 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday at the same venue on Brigham Young University's campus. Captain Son Heung-min scored twice in the first half, and his substitute Cho Gue-sung added two more goals in the second half. Hwang Hee-chan scored a penalty to complete the scoring.
Defender Lee Gi-hyuk made a significant impact in his second international match, contributing with precise passes and offensive participation. He was one of two starters to play the entire match, as head coach Hong Myung-bo rotated players extensively, making nine substitutions, including a goalkeeper change from Jo Hyeon-woo to Kim Seung-gyu.
Several players, including third-string keeper Song Bum-keun, left back Lee Tae-seok, and midfielder Yang Hyun-jun, remained on the bench, while striker Oh Hyeon-gyu missed the match due to a minor injury. Hong is expected to make further rotations, possibly giving Oh a chance to play against El Salvador.
In the match against Trinidad and Tobago, South Korea's offense became more effective as the game progressed, while their defense was not significantly challenged, with Trinidad and Tobago managing only two shot attempts and limited possession.
South Korea's defenders may face a similar scenario against El Salvador, who did not qualify for the World Cup. The previous match against Trinidad and Tobago resulted in a setback for South Korea, as starting center back Cho Yu-min sustained a foot injury that excluded him from the World Cup. Cho Wi-je, initially a training partner, replaced Cho Yu-min on the final squad.
Midfielder Bae Jun-ho also suffered a right ankle injury, but team officials have indicated it won't prevent him from participating in the tournament. South Korea welcomed Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in to their camp on Monday following PSG's UEFA Champions League final victory. Lee, who did not play in the final, may participate against El Salvador to regain match fitness.