South Korea began their Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 win today over Oman through Cho Yong-cheol's goal in first-half injury time here.
South Korea joined Australia on three points in Group A, although the Socceroos sit on top after a 4-1 win over Kuwait yesterday.
On a wet afternoon in the Australian capital, both teams had their moments in the first half. South Korea's star attacker Son Heung-min hit the top of the crossbar with a looping shot after seven minutes.
Oman's running led to openings that attackers Qasim Said and Abdulaziz Al-Maqbali could not capitalise on.
The only goal of the match came when former English Premier League goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi could only parry a Koo Ja-cheol shot and Cho poked the rebound home.
Koo went close to extending South Korea's led just before the hour but his fierce header was tipped over the bar by Al Habsi.
South Korea dominated the second half when Lee Chung-yong and Son went close to extending their team's lead. Uli Stielike's players almost paid the price for failing to finish off the game after 75 minutes, but Oman striker Abdulaziz Al Maqbali mis-kicked when free at the back post.
Group A continues on Tuesday with South Korea staying in Canberra to take on Kuwait while Australia hosts Oman in Sydney.
