The Korean Olympic team redeemed the county’s name in football, winning a friendly against Syria at Hwaseong Stadium on Thursday.

Team coach Hong Myeong-bo sent a powerful message to his home crowd that he wanted to bring home a gold medal from the 2012 London Olympics after a 3-1 win over Syria.

Korea dominated the pitch for most of the match, keeping the ball in Syrian territory and volleying one shot after another.

Korea scored the first goal when Lee Jong-won lofted the ball with a free kick, which Kim Ki-hee met for a comfortable back-header into the net.

Just before half-time, Korea asserted their dominance over the half when Yoon Bitgaram caught the rebound off of Yun Il-lok’s initial shot.

Syria responded in the second half with a comfortable goal after collecting a rebound.

But Korea quickly regained control for the win as Kim showed off his heading skills with another goal after Park Jong-woo centered the ball with a free kick.

By Robert Lee (robert@herald.com)