Early in the match, both teams carried the ball forward to the penalty area but just couldn't seem to finish. Korea Rep. gradually started to gain control of the ball, and in the 25th minute Kim Dong-Jin made a crushing mid-range left-foot shot, and in the 28th minute Yoo Sang-Chul delivered a powerful free kick. China PR counter-attacked, using short passes to maintain control of the ball while they looked for an opportunity. In the 32nd minute, Zhao Ting received a pass from Zhao Junzhe and attempted a powerful shot, startling the Korean defense. The first half looked like it was going to end in a scoreless tie, but Korea did not overlook the slight chance during loss time. Lee Eul-Yong delivered a corner kick, and Yoo Sang-Chul, who was loosely marked, headed the ball clean into the goal, giving Korea Rep. the first goal of the match

The game got physical as the second half unfolded, and both teams got heated up. In the 60th minute, the players clashed and Korea's Lee Eul-Yong was sent off. With a one-man advantage, China PR started to aggressively attack the Korean goal. Korea Rep. responded with a five-man defense line system. China PR had two sure chances in the 89th minute and during loss time but was unable to produce any goals because of a solid Korean defense and an erroneous kick on their part. At the end, Korea Rep. edged China PR out 1-0.

After the match, coach Umberto Coelho of Korea Rep. commented, "A player was sent off in the second half and we had to hold up for the rest of the match with only ten men. My players did a good job and I?d like to commend them."

Coach Arend Haan of China PR commented, "We had a one-man advantage in the second half but were not able to take advantage of the opportunity. This is the gap we have with Korea Rep. and what we need to work on."