Striker Hwang Hee-chan on May 30 scores on a penalty kick in the 75th minute against Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly before the FIFA World Cup soccer finals at South Field of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. (Yonhap News)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

The national soccer team has won the first of two friendlies ahead of the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Led by head coach Hong Myungbo, the Taegeuk Warriors destroyed Trinidad and Tobago, 5-0, on May 30 at South Field of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Team captain Son Heung-min scored the opening goal in the 40th minute by shooting into goal a low cross from defender Kim Moon Hwan. Son added a second through a penalty kick earned by midfielder Bae Jun Ho in the 43rd minute.

The team maintained its scoring momentum in the second half. Striker Cho Guesung scored the third goal in the 65th minute by heading in a cross from midfielder Lee Donggyeong, and forward Hwang Heechan added a fourth from a penalty kick in the 75th minute.

Two minutes later, Cho again found the back of the net with a right-footed shot for Korea's fifth goal.

Korea on June 4 plays its final friendly against El Salvador before the tournament begins.

dusrud21@korea.kr