South Korea's national football team fell 1-0 to Austria in a pre-World Cup friendly on March 31 at Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, marking back-to-back losses on their European trip. Marcel Sabitzer scored the lone goal in the 48th minute. Coach Hong Myung-bo praised the defensive improvements despite the defeat.
South Korea (22nd-ranked) outshot Austria (24th) 11-5 but failed to score, with Marcel Sabitzer's volley in the 48th minute proving decisive against diving goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
Coach Hong Myung-bo fielded eight new starters in a back-three formation: center backs Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom, and Kim Ju-sung; wingbacks Seol Young-woo and Lee Tae-seok; midfielders Kim Jin-gyu and Paik Seung-ho; and forwards Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Lee Jae-sung. Korea led shots 6-1 in the first half amid aggressive pressing, though Austria dominated possession.
Son Heung-min missed chances in the 16th and 62nd minutes with left-footed shots, and was denied by goalkeeper Patrick Pentz on a 74th-minute breakaway ruled offside. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu hit the post in the 84th minute, but Pentz recovered.
"It was a good game against a quality opponent," Hong said post-match. "The way we conceded was disappointing, but that's what friendlies are for. We will pore over the data to prepare for the World Cup." He defended the back-three setup, noting improved defensive understanding.
Captain Son Heung-min rejected talk of decline, insisting, "I don't think I've suffered any dip in my performance." With 54 international goals, he aims to improve at Los Angeles FC ahead of the World Cup.
