Kuala Lumpur: There was to be no back-to-back wins for Korea Republic as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Serbia in a friendly at the Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan on Tuesday.
Korea Republic had ended their recent winless run by beating Colombia on Friday but needed a penalty for a share of the spoils against Serbia.
The match against Serbia was part of Korea Republic's FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia preparations and both teams were evenly matched in the first half.
Adem Ljajic gave Serbia the lead in the 59th minute to silence the home fans.
They, however, were cheering again just four minutes later as Koo Ja-cheol converted from the penalty spot.
Meanwhile, Islamic Republic of Iran's good run of form continued as Alireza Jahan Bakhsh's 57th minute strike gave them a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a friendly at the Goffertstadion in Nijmegen, Netherlands on Monday.
The win stretched Iran's unbeaten run to 10 matches as Team Melli continued their Road to Russia preparations.
Iran, the first Asian team to confirm their berth for the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia, beat Panama 2-1 in a friendly on Thursday and are enjoying a rich vein of form.
The win is a boost for Carlos Queiroz's team as they prepare for next summer's FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, fell 1-0 to Bulgaria in their latest Road to Russia friendly.
Ivelin Popov scored Bulgaria's winner in the 81st minute and Saudi Arabia were reduced to 10 men two minutes later when Mansour Althaqfi Al Harbi was sent off.
Japan, beaten 3-1 by Brazil last Friday, will play Belgium later on Tuesday.
Photos: AFP
Source: the-afc.com