15 Jul 2012

Oly Whites downed by Korea

9:57 am on 15 July 2012

The New Zealand Olympic men's football team have been beaten by South Korea 2-1 in Seoul but showed plenty of positives signs in the second of three warm ups for London.

The Oly Whites fell behind to a skilful back heel finish from Ji Dong-Won in the 18th minute but striker Shane Smeltz restored parity with a clinical finish through the legs of a defender and the goalkeeper in the 73rd minute from Adam Thomas's cross.

A second draw in four days, the Oly Whites drew 1-1 with Japan on Wednesday night, looked on the cards until South Korea pulled off a late goal to seal it.

Despite the defeat, it was a vastly improved showing from the match in Tokyo, with the introduction of Chris Wood in to the line up proving a handful for the Korean defence.