JuicyTalk
Sunday’s international friendlies offered the last glimpses of several World Cup squads before the tournament begins in less than a fortnight, with Son Heung-min, Artem Dovbyk and an inspired Cape Verde among the afternoon and evening’s standout performers.
Son leads South Korea demolition job
South Korea delivered the best display of the day, thrashing Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, as coach Hong Myung-bo’s side hit top gear ahead of their Group A opener against Mexico.
Son Heung-min set the tone with a brace before the break, converting from the spot and adding a second to put South Korea 2-0 up at half-time.
Cho Gyu-sung took over in the second half, heading home twice to complete his own brace, with Hwang Hee-chan adding a fifth from the penalty spot in between.
Son’s double took him to 56 international goals, closing in on Cha Bum-kun’s all-time national record.
Cape Verde stun Serbia in Lisbon
In one of the day’s most striking results, Cape Verde produced a clinical performance to beat Serbia 3-0 in Lisbon, a result that will sharpen attention on the Blue Sharks ahead of their World Cup debut in Group H against Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Kevin Pina gave the hosts an early lead in the 11th minute, before second-half goals from substitute Laros Duarte and Gilson Benchimol completed a handsome win.
Serbia, who failed to qualify for the tournament, offered little in response and will reflect on a miserable buildup that has now included back-to-back defeats.
Ukraine silence Lewandowski and Poland
At the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Ukraine secured a 2-0 winover Poland in a result with more emotional weight than the scoreline suggests.
Neither side made it to North America, Ukraine lost their playoff to Sweden in March, but the win was a statement of quality nonetheless.
Dovbyk opened the scoring with a composed counter-attack finish in the 22nd minute, and Viktor Tsygankov put the game to bed shortly after half-time.
Poland, who missed out on the World Cup, were unable to find a way through despite Robert Lewandowski leading the line, and were ultimately well beaten.
Ecuador lay down a marker
Ecuador’s Beccacece-era defensive structure held firm once more as La Tri beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Jackson Porozo headed home a set-piece in the 35th minute before Anthony Valencia doubled the lead with a left-footed finish midway through the second half.
Sultan Madash pulled one back for Saudi Arabia late on, but the result was never in doubt. Ecuador, who qualified second in CONMEBOL behind Argentina, head to Group D in strong shape.
Sunday’s full international results
South Korea 5-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Ecuador 2-1 Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde 3-0 Serbia
Poland 0-2 Ukraine
Switzerland 4-1 Jordan
Czech Republic 2-1 Kosovo
Japan 1-0 Iceland
Mexico 1-0 Australia
Singapore 4-0 Mongolia
