June 24, 2018 / 5:51 AM / Updated 44 minutes ago

Soccer: South Korea defence shaken during second loss

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (Reuters) - South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong admitted his defence had been shaken during their 2-1 World Cup Group F loss to Mexico on Saturday which left the Asian side on the brink of elimination after two games.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group F - South Korea vs Mexico - Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia - June 23, 2018 South Korea's Lee Yong is consoled by Jang Hyun-soo and team mates at the end of the match REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

The Koreans, beaten 1-0 by Sweden in their opening match, have conceded penalties in both defeats and on Saturday defender Jang Hyun-soo blocked Andres Guardado’s cross with his arm before Carlos Vela converted the resulting spot kick.

“It’s unfortunate that the defence was shaken and we couldn’t change it easily,” Shin told reporters.

“The defensive line really was shaken and as for Jang, he handled the ball but we couldn’t change the line.”

South Korea still have a slim chance of reaching the last 16 on goal difference if they beat defending champions Germany and Mexico beat Sweden in the final round of Group F matches.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group F - South Korea vs Mexico - Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia - June 23, 2018 South Korea players look dejected after the match REUTERS/Marko Djurica

“We gave away two penalties; it’s a problem but the defenders have lost confidence and it’s very unfortunate,” added Shin.

“I hope they will restore their confidence and fight for the next game especially.”

South Korea, who have won only one of their last 11 World Cup fixtures, reached the knockout phase most recently in 2010.

To achieve that result again, Shin believes his players must acquire more experience.

“Even if we have good players, we lack experience and we need to accumulate some in the future. It was our weak point during this tournament,” he said.

Reporting by Jack Tarrant and Julien Pretot, editing by Clare Fallon