South Korea Vs Togo - World Cup Special

Coming from a goal down the 2002 semi finalists were able to pick up their first World Cup win on foreign soil, but know they will have to play better if they want to test France of Switzerland and qualify for round two.

The Asians, well supported as always, started with Park of Manchester United in Midfield with Ahn the hero against Italy in their capital four years ago on the bench.

Like many of the teams at the World Cup Togo's build up was more about off the field issues during build up to the game itself. With a fiasco surrounding their coach and bonus payments from the governing body of their country they looked to pick up a first win in their first ever game at the finals. The only familiar face to English fans was Arsenal's Adabeyor who started up front.

It was the tall strikers partner Kader who caused the Korans more problems however, sprightly from minute one he was always looking for the ball and had several shots just off target before he was able to get a good clean strike on the ball. Despite the heat the game was played at a good pace and Korea found it difficult to cope with Togo's novice no fear approach through Cho Jae-Jin and Lee Eul-Yong they looked to posses a threat going forward but were seemingly dazed by the high tempo play of their opponents.

Just past the half hour a long ball gave Kader the chance he needed to set the game alight. With a touch on his knee he was able to beat two dawdling defenders to the ball before flashing a right foot shot pas the Korean keeper. A quality finish from an energetic player was just deserts for a man who had undoubtedly been the games best player.

A free kick from Senaya almost doubled the lead from Togo and took the roof off but thanks to an excellent save from Lee Woon Jae the Koreans remained just a goal behind.

Presumably told to improve their performance in the second half the Koreans were startled into action by more excellent footwork from Kader who showed a neat touch once more before shaving the top corner with a shot from a tight angle.

Just as it seemed that Togo would add to their already excellent performance with another goal they were struck a body blow when English referee Graham Poll sent off Adalo for a second bookable offence. The card was undeniable a correct decision as he was the last man when he brought down Park in the final third of the field.

In a double blow the Koreans made the free kick pay with Chun Soo finding the net with a perfectly executed set piece drawing the Koreans level. The game instantly became more of a contest as Togo looked hit back immediately and with Adabeyor nearly did so. Chances also fell to Korea who had a header narrowly wide from Jae Jin and a shot from substitute Ahn who felt he should have scored with a low shot.

The former Perugia striker was not to be denied and with a curling shot he fired the ball into the roof of the net to send his side ahead. An excellent piece of forward work from the man himself allowed Ahn to make space for himself on the edge of the area before striking the shot superbly.

Late on Adebayor had good chances to give his side at least a draw but first he missed a free kick by inches and then fouled his marker when he found himself in a good position.

Despite battling well in their first game they like all of the other African debutants left with no points.