South Korea hold Denmark to goalless draw

A weakened Denmark side were held to a goalless draw by fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea in an international friendly yesterday.

The stalemate showed both teams have work to do in front of goal before the finals in South Africa next year.

"It's a fine result. We created chances," said Denmark coach Morten Olsen. "But we didn't score, just like in our game against Hungary."

Denmark lost 1-0 at home to Hungary in their final World Cup qualifying group game last month.

In the 13th minute, Denmark's Soren Rieks broke free on the right and crossed to midfielder Jakob Poulsen in the penalty area but goalkeeper Lee Woon Jae cleared the ball.

Ten minutes later South Korea's Chung-Yong Lee threaded a pass through the Danish defence to Ji-Sung Park on the edge of the area but he shot straight at keeper Thomas Sorensen.

"It's a shame we didn't score in the first half, but overall we played a good match," said Denmark's Rieks.

The Koreans did find the net in the 54th minute but Ki-Hyeon Seol's effort after a free-kick was ruled offside by Swedish referee Martin Hansson.

Seven of the Denmark players that featured against Hungary were unavailable yesterday due to injuries.

South Korea have another friendly on Wednesday against Serbia while Denmark meet the United States on the same day.