The Uruguay national team are looking for an immediate response on Monday in Seoul, as they face South Korea in the second match of the Diego Forlán era. The friendly comes on the heels of a 3-1 defeat to Japan last Thursday, a result that leaves La Celeste in a period of transition.
Forlán, who took over as head coach, acknowledges the difficulty of the challenge. "We know it's going to be a very difficult match," the manager said in his pre-match press conference. "I had the chance to face South Korea as a player and I know they are players of great intensity, physical, with a lot of quality." The match will be broadcast on AUF TV and DSports.
Preparatory context
This fixture is a key part of preparations for the new cycle leading to the 2028 Copa América and the next World Cup qualifying phase. Their run of five matches without a win, comprising two losses and three draws, highlights the need to find a consistent path.
The last meeting between these sides was in March 2023, also in Seoul, ending in a 2-1 Uruguayan victory. Sebastián Coates and Matías Vecino scored the goals that day under interim coach Marcelo Broli. For Monday's match, focus will be on players like Rodrigo Bentancur, who was the first captain in Forlán's debut, and on containing South Korean defender Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich.
The weight of the role
The Uruguayan manager takes the expectations that come with leading his country in stride. "You always have pressure, whether you're interim or not," Forlán explained. "It's the responsibility you have for being in charge of a national team, in this case, your country's and with the history it has."
Following this fixture, the squad will return to Montevideo to continue working towards their next objectives. The match against South Korea will be played on Monday, September 28.
First reported at ESPN Deportes
