This was probably the least expected of all the play-off matches. Prior to the tournament the prospect of Switzerland finishing only one place above South Korea was unthinkable, but due to some indifferent Swiss form, and unexpected quality football from the South Koreans, it had happened. South Korea also had a mental edge because of their earlier defeat of the Swiss, but Switzerland are 2 time champions and still had to be favourites for this one. It only took 11 minutes to convince some South Korean fans that history was repeating, as Hwang Sun-Hong’s perfectly placed through-ball split the Swiss defence and Kim Do-Hoon beat Tubby to make the score 1-0. However, Switzerland would not lie down this time. The ever-present combination of Cole Te Whiu’s cross and Assmaster’s head struck in the 41st minute and this goal stunned the ever-reliable South Korean defence.
2 minutes after half time the killer blow was struck, as Cole again surged into a crossing position on the left flank, and Assmaster’s header was once more unstoppable. This near unstoppable double blow seemed to take the wind out of the South Korean’s sails, as they struggled to attack with any real purpose. Their desperation produced nothing, as Switzerland sat back and relied on their famous defence. In the end 2-1 was the final score, a gritty victory for the Swiss and disappointment for the South Koreans, although both sides progressed safely.
Switzerland 2 South Korea 1 |
