As it happened: World Cup qualifiers - South Korea beat Singapore 5-0 in Seoul
SINGAPORE: Singapore took on South Korea in the second round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup on Thursday (Nov 16).
It was every bit the daunting task that most had expected, with the Lions 131 world ranking spots behind South Korea.
The match ended 5-0 to the home side, with captain Son Heung-min scoring the pick of the bunch.
That’s a wrap for us in Singapore and Seoul.
Thank you for joining us, and goodnight.
Matthew Mohan in Seoul
Jurgen Klinsmann appears to be in a generous mood at the post-match press conference. In response to a question from CNA, the South Korea head coach praised Singapore for an “impressive” display in the first 45 minutes.
Jurgen Klinsmann appears to be in a generous mood at the post-match press conference. In response to a question from CNA, the South Korea head coach praised Singapore for an “impressive” display in the first 45 minutes.
“I told the coach after the game how they played tactically and defensively. That first half was outstanding,” he said. “Also, physically, they didn’t back off. They were in there, they gave one-against-one challenges 100 per cent. It was impressive, very impressive.
But he was angry with the challenge from Shah Shahiran that floored Son Heung-min with the score at 4-0. “It was unnecessary,” Klinsmann said.
Despite the heavy defeat, Singapore head coach Takayuki Nishigaya was pleased with the effort: "Our players performed well, we showed 100 per cent of what we can do … I’m proud of my players.”
Singapore will be hoping for a better showing in the return match against South Korea next June.
In the meantime, there’s the small matter of an all-Southeast Asian clash with Thailand at Singapore’s National Stadium next Tuesday.
Thailand are now in action against China in tonight’s other Group C match. It’s 1-1 in Bangkok with half-time approaching.
In Group F, Vietnam have beaten the Philippines 2-0 at Manila’s Rizal Memorial Stadium.
"They had promised to take their opponents seriously despite the gulf which separated the two and South Korea did exactly that on Thursday (Nov 16) after a 5-0 win over Singapore."
FULL-TIME
The final whistle goes, and the final score is no surprise. South Korea 5-0 Singapore.
The final whistle goes, and the final score is no surprise. South Korea 5-0 Singapore.
South Korea take their first step towards the 2026 World Cup while the Lions are left licking their wounds.
Lee Kang-in receives the ball in acres of space outside the box and belts it in with his left foot.
85th minute
GOAL! (South Korea 5-0 Singapore)
GOAL! (South Korea 5-0 Singapore)
81st minute
A crunching tackle leaves goalscorer Son in a pile on the turf. Coach Klinsmann is not pleased, and you'd imagine a certain Ange Postecoglou in North London would be wincing too. The South Korea and Spurs captain appears fine.
A crunching tackle leaves goalscorer Son in a pile on the turf. Coach Klinsmann is not pleased, and you'd imagine a certain Ange Postecoglou in North London would be wincing too. The South Korea and Spurs captain appears fine.
Shah Shahiran gets a yellow card for his efforts.
Substitutions for Singapore: Ilhan Fandi and Christopher van Huizen are on for Song Ui-young and Nazrul Nazari.
Substitutions for South Korea: On Hyeon-gyu and Lee Soon-min are on for Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang In-beom.
Cna. (n.d.). As it happened: World Cup qualifiers - South Korea beat Singapore 5-0 in Seoul. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/singapore-south-korea-world-cup-qualifier-live-blog-seoul-3924846