Sunday’s friendlies provided a final glimpse of the World Cup squads before the tournament kicks off in less than two weeks, with Son Heung-min, Artem Dovbyk and the Cape Verdean inspired among the highlights of the afternoon and evening.
Son leads a demolition project in South Korea
South Korea produced the best display of the day, beating Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, as coach Hong Myung-bo’s side hit high gear ahead of their Group A opener against Mexico.
Son Heung-min set the tone with two goals before the break, converting from the spot and adding a second to put South Korea 2-0 up at halftime.
Cho Gyu-sung took over in the second half, heading home twice to finish off his own goal, Hwang Hee-chan adding a fifth from the penalty spot in the interval.
Son’s double took him to 56 international goals, closing in on Cha Bum-kun’s all-time national record.
Cape Verde beat Serbia in Lisbon
In one of the highlights of the day, Cape Verde produced a healthy performance against Serbia 3-0 in Lisbon, a result that will sharpen the Blue Sharks ahead of their World Cup opener in Group H where they will face Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Kevin Pina gave the hosts the lead in the 11th minute, before second-half goals from substitute Laros Duarte and Gilson Benchimol completed a comfortable victory.
Serbia, who failed to qualify for the tournament, offered little response and will reflect on a poor build-up that has included back-to-back defeats.
Ukraine silences Lewandowski and Poland
At the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Ukraine defeated Poland 2-0 in a result that carried more emotional weight than the scoreline.
Neither side was successful in North America, Ukraine lost to Sweden in March, but the victory was a statement of quality nonetheless.
Dovbyk opened the scoring with a counter-attack in the 22nd minute, and Viktor Tsygankov put the game to rest shortly after the break.
Poland, who lost the World Cup, could not find a way through despite Robert Lewandowski leading the way, and ended up being well beaten.
Ecuador lays down the marker
The defensive structure of Beccacece’s time in Ecuador was reinforced as La Tri beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 at the 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 brought Saudi Arabia back late, but the result was never in doubt. Ecuador, who came in second in CONMEBOL behind Argentina, will enter Group D in strong form.
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
