AFC Asian Cup 2019: South Korea vs. Philippines - 3 reasons why the Taegeuk Warriors defeated the Azkals

#2 High possession, shots, passes, and pass accuracy

It would be interesting to see what Son Heung-Min brings to the table

As expected from the South Koreans, they dominated every department of the game. The Taegeuk Warriors had 82% possession, completed 782 passes, had 90% pass accuracy, and took 16 shots.

South Korea's nimble-footed players lodged in beautiful crosses from the wing, dribbled past the tightly-knitted Filipino defense and took out the defenders with swift one-touch and backheel passes.

Lee Jae-sung, Koo Ja-cheol, and Hwang Hee-chan, who ply their trade in Germany, played their part wonderfully and didn't let Son Heung-Min's absence affect their performance. Newcastle United's Ki Sung-yeung had to be substituted in the 58th minute owing to an injury. But, his replacement Hwang In-beom ensured that he wasn't the weak link in the midfield.

With or without Son Heung-Min, South Korea is deadly, unforgiving, and pitiless. And, Philippines learned it the hard way.