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Coach Huh laments wasted South Korea chances

The South Koreans, bidding to reach the second round for only the second time in eight World Cups, were only a goal down until 14 minutes from full-time before two-time world champions Argentina charged home to a 4-1 victory.

South Korea, who reached the semi-finals when the World Cup was staged in their country eight years ago, may now need only a draw against Nigeria in Durban on June 22 to reach the last 16 of the tournament.

“It was a very important game for us and the players fought hard, but we didn’t manage to control the game,” Huh said.

“In the second-half when Argentina were slowing down a bit, we couldn’t get a goal and that proved decisive. I have to say my players fought hard, but it was not to be.

“Whether or not we now reach the last 16 depends on our next game.”

South Korea were undone by the world’s best player Lionel Messi, who bossed the midfield, as unbeaten Argentina took control of Group B.

The Koreans, who downed Greece 2-0 in their opener, fell behind to an early own goal by Park Chu-Young and the first of striker Gonzalo Higuain’s hat-trick.

They pulled one back in first-half injury time through Lee Chung-Yong and only succumbed to a late two-goal burst from Higuain to blow out the margin.

Messi’s free-kick indirectly led to the own goal and he played a prominent role in two of Higuain’s goals.

The big moment for South Korea, trailing 2-1, came in the 58^th-minute when midfielder Yeom Ki-Hun was set up for a shot at goal, but from a good position inside the penalty area he fired wide under pressure and the chance went begging.

“We finished the first half 2-1 down and we tried to recoup our losses in the second-half, but couldn’t score,” Huh said.

“Against Argentina we performed very well, there were some things we lacked, we missed opportunities, but I think we fought well against a side who boast several star players and we have learned a lot from the game.”

Now all hinges on South Korea’s final group game with Nigeria, who crashed 2-1 to Greece in Bloemfontein.

“The Nigeria game is now extremely important and it will decide if we reach the Round of 16,” Huh said.

“We will go away and analyse things and we will be thoroughly prepared for the next match.”

It was Argentina’s third straight win over South Korea and their second at the World Cup, after beating the Asians 3-1 in the 1986 tournament.