Point ensures progress for Koreans

Korea Republic confirmed their place in the quarter-finals of the Men's Olympic Football Tournament at London 2012 following a goalless draw with Gabon in the final Group B game at Wembley Stadium. Hong Myung-Bo's side had an early chance to take the lead when a long ball from left-back Kim Young-Gwon found Park Chu-Young, but the Arsenal forward’s shot was comfortably saved by Didier Ovono. The Asians had an even better opportunity to take the lead almost ten minutes later when Ovono, diving low to his left, pulled off a stunning save to keep out Koo Ja-Cheol’s side-footed effort from 12 yards. Wembley was forced to wait 15 minutes for the next noteworthy piece of action. Yun Suk-Young’s cross from the left and headed towards goal by Koo, but the ball flashed narrowly wide of the post. Meanwhile, it took Gabon until the 43rd minute to create a chance of their own. Levy Madinda hit a shot from the edge of the box which failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Korea Republic had a renewed sense of purpose after the break and could have taken the lead shortly after half-time when a corner from the right from Ki Sung-Yueng was chested down by Park Chu-Young, but the striker blazed the ball over from close range. Shortly before the hour mark, Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng had two good chances to take the lead, but fired well over on both occasions. From nowhere, Gabon almost took the lead in the 65th minute. Madinda picked up the ball on the edge of the box and hit a dipping shot which struck the outside of the post. There was a similar occurrence 15 minutes later when Jerry Obiang spotted Jung Sung-Ryong off his line and hit a dipping lob which the keeper had to scurry back and tip over the bar. The introduction of Sunderland’s Ji-Dong Won opened up the game and he went close to scoring, but could not connect properly with a left-wing cross and the chance went begging. In the closing stages, Steve Nzambe struck a free-kick beautifully with his left foot which flew narrowly over the bar, but 0-0 was how it stayed. The result, combined with Mexico’s win over Switzerland ensures that Korea Republic finish second in the group. They now travel to Cardiff to face the winners of Group A, while Gabon head home. FIFA