Ahn Koreans live the day

Lee Eul-Yong became the first player at this World Cup to fail to score from a penalty after the other 10 were converted.

Clint Mathis, brought into the American team to add striking power, had put the US ahead in the 24th minute after a superb John O’Brien pass sliced through the Korean defence. But the World Cup co-hosts deserved their point after dominating the second half, forcing Friedel to make several fine saves. In the dying seconds, substitute Choi Yong-soo blazed over the top with an open goal at his mercy.

Korea lead group D on goal difference from the US with both on four points. Poland and Portugal, both without points, meet later on Monday. South Korea coach Guus Hiddink praised the way his team played, but was disappointed to only get a point. “A draw is not really enough but it’s a tournament so we have to stick to that. I am happy with the way the players performed.”

“I think we deserved to win 3-1 or 4-1 because we created such beautiful chances. But we were unlucky in (not) making the 100 percent chances,” he said.

“The goalie (Friedel) was tremendous but from five to six open chances we must score at least one.” US coach Bruce Arena agreed with Hiddink’s praise forFriedel but also paid tribute to Korea’s fitness. “Clearly, Friedel was the man of the match. There was a penalty, a call that we didn’t quite see, but he came up with a big save. And he made lots of others.”

“This was a big day for the people in Korea. In front of 68,000 people, under those (stifling) conditions that was a good result for our team. I’m Going to take it and get out of town.

“To have four points is a good feeling. I think if you asked most people months ago if the US would have four points from the first two matches they would say no.

It was the first time the US had played two consecutive games at a World Cup finals without defeat since 1930 when they reached the semifinals in Uruguay and lost 6-1 to Argentina. “It was a difficult game and we are happy with the point. Korea’s fitness was outstanding. They used their physical prowess and put a lot of balls in the box and put us under pressure,” said Arena. Friedel added: “You have to give them a little bit of credit for the way they played.”

Mathis, the striker with the mohican hair style who missed almost the entire 2001 season with a knee injury and sat out the game against Portugal, had fired the US ahead against the run of play with a well-struck low drive from O’Brien’s pass. Korea, again roared on by their raucous support, wasted a great chance to level just before the break when Friedel saved Lee Eul-Yong’s penalty. (Reuters)