Vogts' hopes dashed by hosts

Berti Vogts is still searching for his first win as Scotland coach after Korean Republic thrashed his inexperienced side 4-1 in Busan today.

Sorry Scotland   
The FIFA World Cup co-hosts proved too strong for a weakened Scotland side, who found themselves trailing by three goals before managing an effort on target. An early strike from Chun Soo-lee, two second-half efforts from Jung Hwan-ahn and a goal from Jong Hwan Yoon left Scotland reeling. Debutant Scott Dobie scored a consolation in the 74th minute, but the result in no way flattered the hosts.

Two debutants 
Vogts fielded two new players from the start for his third game in charge - striker Dobie of West Bromwich Albion FC and Rangers FC defender Maurice Ross. Sunderland AFC's Kevin Kyle also earned his first cap as a second-half substitute as Vogts tried to inspire his team to a win after successive defeats against France and Nigeria.

Severe test 
Having yet to discover his best formation, let alone pick his preferred team, the Scotland coach knew this game would be a severe test of a side who started with only 128 caps between them. In contrast to Scotland's makeshift side, Korean Republic entered the match on a high with the World Cup just 15 days away and football fever gripping the nation.

Large crowd
A crowd of 55,000 packed into the Busan World Cup Stadium - the venue for three first-round ties in the World Cup. And although a small band of 100 Scotland supporters made the 7000-mile trip to Asia, they were left with little to cheer in the first half.

Pace and skill
The quick Korean side dominated proceedings and scored the opening goal after 15 minutes. David Weir was caught out by Myung Bo-hong's ball over the top and Soo-lee netted after drawing Neil Sullivan off his line and firing home left-footed.

Bogged down
Scotland's strike pairing of Garry O'Connor and Dobie received little in the way of service from a midfield which was bogged down trying to cope with the speed and craft of the Koreans. And there was little improvement after half-time as the Koreans turned the heat up and scored a second on 58 minutes, Hwan-ahn's left-foot shot leaving Sullivan stranded.

Dobie consolation
Nine minutes later Korea scored a third, Jong Hwan-yoon was the man on target with a shot from the edge of the area. Dobie's headed goal from Scot Gemmill's free-kick brought some smiles to the Scotland bench, but in truth it was too little too late.

Misery complete
Hwan-ahn's delightful lob over Sullivan for his second and Korean Republic's fourth late on completed the misery. Vogts and his team move on to Hong Kong on Friday where they will face South Africa on Monday and the hosts a week today.