The match was part of South Korea’s September international window and came just days after the team had opened the new interim-coach era with a convincing 3–0 victory over Ecuador.
Uruguay Strike Early and Take Control
Uruguay wasted little time making their presence felt.
Darwin Núñez opened the scoring in the first half before Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s advantage. South Korea’s situation became even more difficult when Kim Min-jae scored an own goal, leaving the hosts 3–0 down before half-time.
The three-goal deficit placed enormous pressure on South Korea going into the second half.
Núñez Adds Another Blow
Uruguay continued to control the contest after the interval, with Núñez finding the net again to make it 4–0.
South Korea eventually found a response through Lee Kang-in, but the late goal could not change the outcome as Uruguay secured a commanding victory.
A Difficult Night for Robert Moreno
The defeat was a major setback for interim head coach Robert Moreno, who had started his tenure with a 3–0 win against Ecuador.
Moreno was appointed to oversee South Korea’s series of international friendlies following the departure of former head coach Hong Myung-bo after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The current period is being used to assess the squad and prepare the team for the next stage of its international campaign.
Son Heung-min and South Korea Face Questions
Captain Son Heung-min started for South Korea, alongside Lee Kang-in, as the hosts looked to build on their impressive performance against Ecuador.
But Uruguay’s intensity exposed weaknesses that South Korea will need to address in their upcoming matches.
The result also underlined the challenge facing Moreno as he evaluates players and formations during the current international window.
From Hope to Heartbreak
Only four days earlier, South Korean fans were celebrating a 3–0 victory over Ecuador and the promising beginning of a new chapter.
Against Uruguay, however, the mood inside Seoul World Cup Stadium changed dramatically.
The 4–1 defeat serves as a reminder that rebuilding an international team is rarely straightforward. South Korea will now look ahead to its next friendly against Venezuela on October 2, followed by Uzbekistan on October 6.
For the Taeguk Warriors, the road forward has suddenly become much tougher.