Jose Gimenez hits winner as Uruguay earn win away to South Korea

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

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Jose Gimenez headed in a second-half free kick Monday to give Uruguay a 1-0 win over hosts South Korea in a friendly in Goyang.

Midway through the second half, Gimenez rose clear at the far post and scored the lone goal from substitute Giorgian De Arrascaeta's free kick.

"The Korean team played hard and it was a really tough game for us," said Uruguay assistant coach Celso Otero, standing in for Oscar Tabarez, who is recovering from back surgery. "We had prepared well for this game which is why we were able to come away with a victory."

It was Uruguay's second straight win after defeating Japan 2-0 on Friday.

South Korea, with caretaker coach Shin Tae-young in charge, had a chance to equalise late in the game but Ki Seung-yeung hit the crossbar with a header.

German-based attacker Son Heung-min also went close but was denied by goalkeeper Martin Silva.

"Even though we lost, I am satisfied," Shin said. "The players gave more than 100 percent and did all they could to win, playing right to the end when we almost got the goal and hit the bar."

South Korea, who beat Venezuela 3-1 on Friday, are looking to rebuild after a disappointing World Cup and is starting preparations for the 2015 Asian Cup in January.

Incoming coach Uli Stielike watched from the sidelines and will take charge of his first game against Paraguay in October.

"From the point of view of the fans, this was a tough loss as Korea played very well, especially in the second half," the German said. "This is a young team with a bright future."