By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — South Korea did not expect AFC Asian Cup debutant Philippines to be this tough.
Still, the favored Koreans walked away with a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Azkals in Dubai on Monday night.
Hwang Ui-Jo scored the lone goal of the match on the 66th minute, converting on a Hwang Hee-Chan feed just outside the penalty box.
Despite the defeat, the Azkals showed grit especially in the defensive end as they kept South Korea goalless for over an hour before the Hwang Ui-Jo goal.
The Azkals will next face China, 2-1 winner over Kyrgyzstan in the other game.
