SOUTH KOREA WIN 41st KING’S CUP

BANGKOK (22 Jan 2012) – South Korea picked up their 11^th crown of the King’s Cup in Thailand when they won the 41^st edition of the championship by beating Norway 3-0 in the pivotal final round robin game at the Rajamangala Stadium last night.

Represented by their Under-23 side, the South Korean lads were in front after just 16 minutes when Kim Bo Kyung slammed home the penalty before Kim Hyun Sung doubled the lead four minutes later.

Seo Jung Jin then put the game beyond contention with the third and final goal just before the hour mark.

“This was our best match at the tournament because some of our players had not adapted well to the weather in the first two games,” said South Korea coach Hong Myung Bo afterwards.

The South Korean had earlier beat hosts Thailand 3-1 in their first game before drawing scoreless against defending champions Denmark.

In the other match, hosts Thailand completed their King’s Cup appearance this year without a goal to their name when they fell to a 3-1 loss to the Danes.

Denmark were in front after just ten minutes off Makinok Christoffersen before Martin Spelmann put them 2-0 at the half with the second goal on 43^rd minute.

Thailand replied off Sumanya Purisai’s penalty in the 51^st minute but Denmark made sure of the win with the third goal from Martin Oernskov at the end.

“We played badly in the first half and I was disappointed. During the break, I was so angry that I slammed the table in the dressing room,” said Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer..

“I then told them to bring out their best and they did that in the second half. Overall, I am pleased with the team’s performance at the tournament.

“The players will return to the national team next month to prepare for the important World Cup qualifier against Oman.”

41^st KING’S CUP FINAL STANDINGS