It was its second straight goalless defeat after a 4-0 loss to Ivory Coast in London last Saturday.
Despite having 11 shooting attempts, well ahead of Austria's five, South Korea with a full lineup of star players like Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC, Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain, and Lee Jae-sung of Bundesliga club Mainz 05 was unable to find the net, failing to convert its chances into a goal.
The only goal came from Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer in the 48th minute.
Meanwhile, this year's World Cup, which kicks off in June, will be the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries - Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Already grouped with Mexico and South Africa after last December's draw, South Korea will face the Czech Republic in its opening group-stage match, as the European side secured the final spot in the group by defeating Denmark in a playoff the same day.
With two defeats in its last two friendlies just ahead of the football tournament, slated for June 11 to July 19, South Korea has been struggling to find form, leaving its hopes of advancing beyond the round of 32 in doubt.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
