Was South Korea's decision not to kick the freekick in the final minutes unsportmen-like?

Question

Today the Koreans did not kick the freekick during the game against Togo to kill more time. Instead, they kicked the ball around and hung on to their 2-1 victory. Should they have kicked it toward the goal to score another goal and increase the goal differential? Were they being sly?

Answer 1

Yes, they made themselves look bad, cheap, sly or whatever you want to call it. But sometimes, you can be called all these things for playing smart. They were already winning so they chose to hang onto the ball rather than giving Togo a last chance to counter-attack and tie the game. Personally, I would have taken a shot.

Answer 2

I agree with you to a certain extent, because football is about entertainment, as well as the result.

But what would've happened if they had conceeded a goal in the last few minutes?? Then they would pretty much have no chance of qualifying into the 2nd round as they still have the 2 hardest teams left to play.

Answer 3

Yo! Do you guys seriously play football (soccer) or just watch it? I though it was the best tactical move I have seen in ages! I have seen goals scored in the last second (scored one myself in the last 3 seconds of the game) and Korea just didn't want to give their opponents the opportunity. Forget the boos.... I applaud them!

Answer 4

YES ! it was very unsportmen-like ! but i am not surprized.the korean football organization will do whatever it can get away with. this team has no moral standards!

Answer 5

yes it was ,but it was also a smart move but we do not watch a game to see tricks, we watch it ,to see who is the best team that can play.

Answer 6

moral?... korean have the right to do anything they can to win yesterday game, it just a game strategy...

Answer 7

i would have killed time myself, but i think they went too far and killed a little too much time.