South Korea continued their encouraging build-up to the World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over El Salvador on Wednesday in their final warm-up match before the tournament gets underway next week.

Lee Dong-gyeong netted the decisive goal 10 minutes into the second half at South Korea’s training base in Utah, securing a second consecutive friendly win after last week’s emphatic 5-0 triumph over Trinidad and Tobago.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo acknowledged that his side faced challenges in attack during the early stages but believes the experience will prove valuable ahead of the World Cup.

“We had some difficulties offensively early in the match, but I think this match will be of huge help for us,” Hong said.

“I believe our players learned a great deal today by facing a team of this type.”

South Korea have been drawn into Group A alongside the Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico. Their World Cup campaign will begin against the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11.

Captain Son Heung-min was named among the substitutes and entered the match shortly after South Korea took the lead, with Lee scoring from a superb curling left-footed free-kick five minutes before Son’s introduction.

Veteran captain Son Heung-min continues to attract attention ahead of the World Cup amid scrutiny over his recent club form. The 33-year-old has scored just twice for Los Angeles FC this season, prompting questions about his effectiveness in front of goal.

However, Son showed signs of his quality during South Korea’s recent 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, where he found the net twice. Those goals increased his international tally to 56 in 144 appearances, leaving him just two goals shy of the national scoring record held by Cha Bum-kun.

South Korea also handed a debut to defender Cho Wi-je, who came on as a second-half substitute against El Salvador.

Cho’s rise has been remarkable, having played in South Korea’s second division until the beginning of this year. He earned a late call-up to the World Cup squad after Cho Yu-min was forced to withdraw through injury earlier in the week.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo praised the defender’s contribution on his first appearance for the national team.

“I think he played well stepping in for an injured player,” Hong said.

“He helped the team tremendously.”