Koreans praised by Vogts

South Korea 4 Scotland 1

As if he needed one, Berti Vogts was given another reminder of the monumental task he faces in reviving Scotland's fortunes as the World Cup co-hosts South Korea romped to an easy victory in a friendly here yesterday. In a game they controlled throughout, Korea would not have been flattered by a more emphatic scoreline.

The Scotland coach Vogts had little choice but to praise the home side. "They're a much better side than the one I faced with Germany in the 1994 World Cup," he said.

The Koreans took the lead in the 15th minute when Lee Chun-soo controlled the ball on his chest before slotting home. Ahn Jung-hwan doubled Korea's advantage in the 57th minute. Yoon Jung-hwan hit his side's third before Scotland grabbed a consolation 16 minutes from time when Scott Dobie headed home Scot Gemmill's free-kick. But the home team struck back three minutes from time via Ahn.

SOUTH KOREA: Kim Byung-ji; Kim Tae-young, Hong Myung-bo (Yoon Jung-hwan, 65), Choi Jin-chul (Lee Min-sung, h-t), Lee Eul-yong, Lee Young-pyo, Yoo Sang-chul, Song Chong-gug, Lee Chun-soo (Choi Tai-uk, 73), Hwang Sun-hong (Ahn Jung-hwan, h-t), Park Ji-sung (Cha Doo-ri, 73).

SCOTLAND: Sullivan (Tottenham), G Alexander (Preston), Dailly (West Ham, capt), Weir (Everton), Ross (Rangers), Caldwell (Newcastle), Gemmill (Everton), Stewart (Manchester United), Johnston (Middlesbrough), Dobie (West Brom), O'Connor (Hibernian). Substitutions: Stockdale (Middlesbrough) for G Alexander, 62; Kyle (Sunderland) for Johnston, 65), Severin (Hearts) for Stewart, h-t; Williams (Nottingham Forest) for O'Connor, h-t.

Referee: N Sanghan (Singapore).