Son’s Free-Kick Magic Fires Korea to 2–0 Win Over Bolivia

South Korea opened their November international window with a 2–0 win against Bolivia at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium on 14 November. The result gave new national team coach Hong Myung-bo a solid start and added to the Taeguk Warriors' good form at home in recent games.

From the opening whistle, Korea was in possession and in control of the tempo. Lee Jae-sung was able to attempt a close-in on two occasions, but they were denied by Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. The visitors pressed on at times on counter-attack, particularly Enzo Monteiro, who was forward. Despite Korea’s superiority, Bolivia’s low-block defense made the first half goalless, and home fans were somewhat disturbed.

This breakthrough was achieved in the 57th minute, and in spectacular fashion. Awarded a free-kick outside of the penalty area, captain Son Heung-min curled a slam right-footed shot into the top-left corner, leaving Viscarra rooted to the spot. The goal brought the atmosphere inside Daejeon to life, and gave Korea a juggernaut stride in the game, reinforcing the role of Son as the major game changer for the team.

Image from Fotmob

Bolivia pushed longer seeking an equaliser, which created even more room for Korea’s attackers. Late in the match, substitute Cho Gue, -sung did make his impact. In the 88th minute, he was quickest to a loose ball in the box and poked home from close range to seal the 2–0 victory. Statistically, it was clear Korea was in control, 59 percent possession, 12–6 in shots, and more corners were how they had slowly worn down their opponents.

Beyond the scoreline, however, the performance gave Hong encouraging signs. Korea displayed patience in the face of a low block, developed enough opportunities to win with ease, and had their two key forwards — Son and Cho — on the scoresheet. With another friendly against Ghana later on in the window, this win is another good sign as Korea continues to build towards more competitive fixtures in World Cup qualifying and regional tournaments.

Works Cited

Joshi, Deepak. “South Korea 2–0 Bolivia Highlights, International Friendly: Clinical Second Half Guides Tigers Of Asia To Victory.” Outlook India, 14 Nov. 2025, www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/south-korea-vs-bolivia-live-score-fifa-international-friendly-2025-daejeon-updates-highlights. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Lee, Geun-seung. “The Korean National Soccer Team Won the First A Match in November. South Korea Beat Bolivia 2–0 in a ..” Maeil Business Newspaper, 15 Nov. 2025, www.mk.co.kr/en/sports/11468817. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Mykhel Team. “South Korea Defeats Bolivia 2–0 With Son Heung-min’s Stunning Free-Kick Performance.” MyKhel, 14 Nov. 2025, www.mykhel.com/football/south-korea-2-0-bolivia-son-heung-min-free-kick-011-396507.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

“South Korea 2–0 Bolivia: Son Stunner Helps Hosts Ease to Win.” FotMob, 2025, www.fotmob.com/id/news/kciuihvqusal1ugl4jz8tyjm2-south-korea-2-0-bolivia-son-stunner-helps-hosts-ease-win. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

“South Korea National Football Team.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Nov. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea_national_football_team. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.