Goalie Lee excels as Korea vs South Africa finishes score-less
A collection of world class saves from Korea shot-stopper Lee Myungho denied 11th ranked South Africa a famous victory over world number 7 Korea, as the two Pool B rivals played out a 0-0 draw. Myungho made a number of terrific blocks in the second half to spare the blushes of the Asian Champions, who were second best to the Champions of Africa for much of the second half. The result gave both teams their first point of the tournament, although served to dramatically reduce the chances of either side reaching the semi-final stages.
The two sides contested a generally lifeless first period that was short of both scoring chances and genuine quality, with the crowd appearing to enjoy the glorious sunshine far more than the action on the field. It was an extremely quiet period for the goalkeepers, with Korea’s Myungho and opposite number Erasmus Pietersee not having to make a save in the first 35 minutes of the match.
That being said, South Africa were marginally the better team in the period, although Korea – who greatly missed the creativity and vast experience of the absent Lee Namyong – had the more obvious scoring opportunities with Kim Seongkyu firing wide of the left post on two occasions.
South Africa’s Julian Hykes had a wonderful chance to open the scoring early in a vastly improved second half, bursting through on goal but firing wide of Myungho’s left post when he really should have done better.
The game really opened up as the half progressed, and a key moment arrived in the 53rd minute when Korea earned a penalty corner. Drag-flick star Jang Jonghyun sent a rocket-shot arrowing into the roof of the goal, but the South Africans felt that all was not as it seemed and took the decision to video umpire Andy Mair. It proved to be an inspired decision, with Mair spotting that the ball had clipped defensive runner Jonathan Robinson above the knee on its way through, with the goal being ruled out on the grounds of dangerous play.
The decision certainly seemed to affect Korea, with the momentum of the match swinging firmly in the direction of the South Africans. A close range effort from Lloyd Norris-Jones and Wade Paton’s ripping penalty corner flick were just two of many marvellous saves by the outstanding Myungho, who kept the Asian giants well and truly in the game.
South Africa won a trio of penalty corners in the final minute of the match, but strong Korean defending and a shot wide of the target from Justin Reid-Ross brought the proceedings to an end with the scores locked at 0-0.
Speaking after the match, South Africa captain Austin Smith was pleased with the performance but disappointed by not claiming the victory. “We were so close, we hung in the game and we stuck to the game plan, I’m really proud of the boys for the way we have come back after the first two games. What a pity that we couldn’t get the result at the death. It was our first point on the board and we were spurred on by the women’s performance, as they got a great result over England, but I cannot emphasise enough how unlucky we were not to get the full three points.”
Ahead of the match, Wade Paton was honoured by South African Hockey Association President Marissa Langeni on the occasion of playing his 100th senior international match.