TOKYO, May 31: Substitute Ahn Jung-hwan snatched an 86th minute winner as South Korea beat Japan 1-0 on Saturday in a pulsating friendly played in typhoon-like conditions.

The Japan-based striker tucked home a left-wing cross from midfielder Lee Eul-yong from close range to give former Portugal coach Humberto Coelho his first victory in three attempts.

A year to the day after the opening match of the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by the two countries, South Korea avenged a 1-0 defeat to Japan in April.

The visitors failed to register a single shot in the first half but quickly seized control after the break, with South Korea captain Yoo Sang-chul twice coming close and then having a legitimate penalty claim waved away.

However, the World Cup semi-finalists got the winner their efforts deserved when Ahn arrived at the near post to finish off a sweeping move.—Reuters