Koreans blank Jamaica 3-0 in international friendly

SEOUL, South Korea (CMC):

Jamaica were outplayed by South Korea 3-0 in a friendly international here yesterday ahead of their crucial World Cup Qualifiers starting next month.

South Korea broke the deadlock 35 minutes into the game and scored twice again in the second half, denting Jamaica's confidence as they prepare for important qualifiers in November and March next year.

The South Koreans breezed to an easy victory over the Reggae Boyz on an opening goal from Ji Dongwon, a 57th-minute penalty from captain Ki Sungyueng, and a 63rd-minute conversion by the lurking Lee Jaesung.

The Jamaicans were not all out aggressive against the Koreans, sitting deep while employing a counterattacking style.

But the home side dictated the pace of the match as Ji Dongwon opened the scoring by nodding home a header from a left-sided corner.

Ki Sungyueng doubled the score 10 minutes into the second half after the Japanese referee wasted no time in awarding a penalty when a Korean player went down in the area under minimal contact from Shaun Cummings.

Final blow

South Korea delivered the final blow by punishing Jamaica for conceding possession at the back.

Lance Laing's underhit cross-field pass was picked off by an alert South Korean, who dribbled to the edge of the area before rifling a shot, which AndrÈ Blake could only parry into the path of Lee Jaeung, who delivered the ultimate punishment.

In fact, Blake was the standout performer for the Reggae Boyz by way of his quick reactions that consistently denied the rampaging Koreans.

South Korea have now recorded their second win in their three-match history with Jamaica, which also includes a nil-all draw.

Jamaica used the match to prepare for their World Cup Qualifiers against Panama on November 13, Haiti on November 17 and Costa Rica on March 25, 2016.