South Korea blank Boyz

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 counter attacking 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 10th 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.

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

Lance Laing's under hit cross field pass was picked off by an alert South Korean who dribbled to the edge of the area before rifling a shot, which AndrE 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.