Coach sees narrow win in tuneup as important learning experience for World Cup

PROVO, United States — After South Korea escaped with a narrow win over an opponent they were supposed to dominate, head coach Hong Myung-bo said he chose to look on the brighter side. South Korea beat El Salvador 1-0 in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, on Wednesday. Lee Dong-gyeong's free kick marker in the 57th minute was the only goal for South Korea, who came in ranked 25th in the world, 75 spots ahead of El Salvador. More offense was expected from the Taegeuk Warriors after they pounded 102nd-ranked Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, but Hong said not all was lost from the one-goal victory. "We had some difficulties offensively early in the match, but I think this match will be of huge help for us," Hong said at his postmatch press conference. "Czechia play a similar style," he said, referring to South Korea's first World Cup opponent. "And I think our players must have learned a great deal today by playing this type of team. We have to bear down on generating more opportunities." The victory wrapped up South Korea's training camp in U

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