A late goal from Korea was enough to stall France’s bid for a first win since 1998 in the World Cup as the former winners fluffed their lines once more in the group stages.
France now realize that nothing more than a win will do if they are to advance to the second stages of the World Cup for the first time since they hosted the tournament. Korea will be delighted with their performance and know that with a victory over Switzerland they can guarantee reaching the second round for only the second time in their history.
After a draw in their opening game France brought back Malouda after injury to the midfielder denied them of him in their match against the Swiss. Korea started with the same team which came from behind to beat Togo in the first game since hosting the tournament in 2002.
The game started with France looking to build on their reputation for attacking football as Zidane played a deep role allowing Thierry Henry to dictate the play in the early stages. Indeed it was the Arsenal star who set up the first chance in the opening exchanges for former teammate Sylvain Wiltord.
The striker’s shot however was saved, by Lee in the Korean goal, after being put through on an angle by Henry. Two minutes later roles were reversed with different effect as Henry scored the opening goal of the game.
Wiltord’s shot from the edge of the area was charged down but the ball span loose and found its way to the French maestro who was able to control and slot the ball home with his left foot. A first goal in the World Cup for the French for eight years brought great relief and joy to the bench.
France looked to double their lead on the half hour when Malouda scuffed a shot just wide of goal after beating two players and Henry had a long range effort which was blocked on its way to goal.
Korea then began a fight back and came close ten minutes before half time when a free kick swung in was missed by everyone and nearly crept into the far post.
The second half started at a slow pace with France in no hurry to speed up the pace of the game and until a shot from Wiltord laid on by Henry on the hour mark the game looked to be coming to a complete grinding halt.
The Korean’s however had other ideas and they nearly made the most of a free kick by Cho but Choi headed over the bar after beating his marker in the air.
Vieira was then denied a goal when the ball appeared to be over the line and Zidane received a booking for a cynical foul, seemingly ending his World Cup career. As the tide appeared to be turning on France they received a crushing blow conceding a sloppy goal after some bad defending.
A ball swung into the far post was met by Ahn who headed the ball back across goal for Park to stab in the equalizer. Wild scenes followed as Korea realized what an important strike the Manchester United forwards goal might be.
Spurred on but with nothing really left to give France created several chance but neither Henry nor Trezeguet, a late substitute could find the net to give France the win.
A disappointing blow for Les Blues who after beginning to look like the team they once were fell to pieces trying to defend the lead and sit on the brink of elimination.
France now realize that nothing more than a win will do if they are to advance to the second stages of the World Cup for the first time since they hosted the tournament. Korea will be delighted with their performance and know that with a victory over Switzerland they can guarantee reaching the second round for only the second time in their history.
After a draw in their opening game France brought back Malouda after injury to the midfielder denied them of him in their match against the Swiss. Korea started with the same team which came from behind to beat Togo in the first game since hosting the tournament in 2002.
The game started with France looking to build on their reputation for attacking football as Zidane played a deep role allowing Thierry Henry to dictate the play in the early stages. Indeed it was the Arsenal star who set up the first chance in the opening exchanges for former teammate Sylvain Wiltord.
The striker’s shot however was saved, by Lee in the Korean goal, after being put through on an angle by Henry. Two minutes later roles were reversed with different effect as Henry scored the opening goal of the game.
Wiltord’s shot from the edge of the area was charged down but the ball span loose and found its way to the French maestro who was able to control and slot the ball home with his left foot. A first goal in the World Cup for the French for eight years brought great relief and joy to the bench.
France looked to double their lead on the half hour when Malouda scuffed a shot just wide of goal after beating two players and Henry had a long range effort which was blocked on its way to goal.
Korea then began a fight back and came close ten minutes before half time when a free kick swung in was missed by everyone and nearly crept into the far post.
The second half started at a slow pace with France in no hurry to speed up the pace of the game and until a shot from Wiltord laid on by Henry on the hour mark the game looked to be coming to a complete grinding halt.
The Korean’s however had other ideas and they nearly made the most of a free kick by Cho but Choi headed over the bar after beating his marker in the air.
Vieira was then denied a goal when the ball appeared to be over the line and Zidane received a booking for a cynical foul, seemingly ending his World Cup career. As the tide appeared to be turning on France they received a crushing blow conceding a sloppy goal after some bad defending.
A ball swung into the far post was met by Ahn who headed the ball back across goal for Park to stab in the equalizer. Wild scenes followed as Korea realized what an important strike the Manchester United forwards goal might be.
Spurred on but with nothing really left to give France created several chance but neither Henry nor Trezeguet, a late substitute could find the net to give France the win.
A disappointing blow for Les Blues who after beginning to look like the team they once were fell to pieces trying to defend the lead and sit on the brink of elimination.