South Korea vs Bolivia Match Recap - Nov 14, 2025

South Korea Dominates Bolivia 2-0, Proving Resilience After Recent Struggles

South Korea's commanding 2-0 victory over Bolivia showcases their resurgence after a disheartening loss to Brazil. The win not only boosts morale but also highlights the team's ability to bounce back and assert dominance on the pitch. With Son Heung-Min and Cho Gue-Sung finding the net, South Korea displayed a clinical edge that had been missing in previous outings.

Possession was a key factor, with South Korea controlling 65% of the ball. This dominance allowed them to dictate the tempo and create opportunities, contrasting sharply with Bolivia's struggles to maintain possession in recent matches. The disparity in ball control reflects a broader trend; South Korea has averaged higher possession rates in their last five games, while Bolivia has often found themselves on the back foot.

The passing accuracy of South Korea was impressive at 83%, significantly higher than Bolivia's 80%. This precision in passing facilitated their attacking movements and allowed them to build plays effectively. In contrast, Bolivia's inability to connect passes under pressure limited their offensive capabilities, as evidenced by their total of just 139 passes compared to South Korea's 253.

Son Heung-Min emerged as a pivotal figure once again, scoring the opening goal in the second half. His performance was crucial, especially after a lackluster showing against Brazil where he struggled to make an impact. This match reaffirmed his status as a key player for South Korea, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. His consistent scoring is vital for a team that has relied heavily on him for offensive output.

Cho Gue-Sung, who came off the bench, sealed the victory with a late goal, further emphasizing South Korea's depth. His ability to convert chances late in the game speaks volumes about the squad's resilience and determination. This performance marks a significant turnaround for Cho, who has been working hard to establish himself as a reliable option in attack.

Bolivia's recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five matches yielding only one win against Jordan. Their inability to score against stronger opponents like Russia and Brazil highlights ongoing struggles in attack. Despite moments of grit, such as their draw against Brazil in World Cup qualifying, Bolivia has often found themselves outmatched, particularly in terms of tactical execution and finishing.

Defensively, Bolivia faced challenges throughout the match. Their formation struggled to contain South Korea's fluid attacking play, leading to gaps that were exploited effectively. The lack of cohesion in defense was evident, as they conceded four corner kicks and failed to capitalize on their own limited opportunities.

The statistical contrast between shots on goal further illustrates the disparity in performance. South Korea managed 5 total shots, with 2 on target, while Bolivia recorded only 4 total shots, with 3 on target. This indicates that while Bolivia had some chances, they were unable to convert them into meaningful threats against a well-organized South Korean defense.

The implications of this match extend beyond just the scoreline. For South Korea, this victory serves as a confidence booster ahead of their next friendly against Ghana. The team can build on this momentum, knowing they have the capability to perform under pressure and deliver results when needed.

For Bolivia, the loss underscores the need for improvement as they prepare for their upcoming match against Japan. They must address their defensive vulnerabilities and find ways to create more scoring opportunities if they hope to compete effectively at higher levels.

This match encapsulated a narrative of resilience for South Korea and highlighted the ongoing challenges for Bolivia. As both teams look ahead, the lessons learned from this encounter will be crucial in shaping their respective paths forward in international football.