KOR 0-0 KSA - Seoul stalemate bodes well for Saudis

The hosts had much the better chances to take the three points at Seoul World Cup Stadium and by the time the final whistle sounded Saudi Arabia, reduced to 10 men after Ahmed Ateef was sent off for a second yellow card, were relieved to escape with a draw.

The result leaves Group B delicately poised but what is certain is that the Green Falcons will complete an impressive turnaround and book their place in South Africa if they defeat DPR Korea in Riyadh on June 17.

The first-half was an uneventful affair with Saudi Arabia enjoying most of the possession before the hosts, who have already qualified for next summer's finals, fought back in the latter stages.

The visitors had the first good chance after 13 minutes. A low cross fell to Nassir Al Shamra and his shot on the turn was well-saved by Lee Woon-jae.

Korea Republic then came alive in the last five minutes of the opening period. A Ki Sung-yung half-volley was well saved by Waleed Ali before Ki's floated free-kick into the area led to an almighty scramble moments later.

Lee Keun-ho’s low shot looked to be heading into the back of the net until Ali somehow got a hand to it and the ball rolled along the line and to safety.

Korea almost took the lead 10 minutes after the break. Park Ji-sung released Kim Dong-jin down the left and the full-back’s first-time cross was met firmly by Park Chu-young, who climbed above three Saudi defenders to send a header just over.

With the hosts taking control, Saudi Arabia almost broke the deadlock on the hour. A smart pass from Mohammed Noor released Al Shamra, whose shot from just inside the area deflected off the advancing Lee Woon-jae and over the bar.

Park Ji-sung then freed Lee Keun-ho but when he received the return ball inside the area, the Manchester United star blasted over.

He almost rued that miss soon after as Yasser Al Qahtani turned Cho Yong-hyong on the corner of the box and while his shot beat Lee, it also flew just past the far post.

After 74 minutes, Korea Republic almost took the lead. Substitute Yang Dong-hyun had been on the pitch a matter of seconds when the striker headed a corner straight at the Saudi goalkeeper from close range.

With 11 minutes left, Ahmeed Ateef chopped down Lee Keun-ho to collect a second yellow card and with the man advantage Korea Republic continued to press but were almost caught out in the dying seconds when substitute Naif Hazazi headed just over from close range.