Yoo Sang-Chul’s goal off a corner in the 23rd minute gave South Korea a 1-0 win over the United States in a battle of future World Cup opponents in the opening game of the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo. “I thought in the first half the Koreans did a good job of putting us under pressure and winning balls in the midfield,” said U.S. coach Bruce Arena. “They were a very fit team, and our lack of match fitness showed. In the second half, we did a much better job moving the ball and were able to create some quality chances. Give credit to the Koreans — they played a good match tonight. Overall, it’s been an excellent experience coming to Korea, and it will certainly help us get prepared for the World Cup next summer.” Five players earned their first cap for the senior team, bringing to 35 the total number of players getting their first cap under Arena. Manny Lagos and Diego Gutierrez both started, while Jeff Cunningham, Richard Mulrooney and Carlos Bocanegra made second-half appearances off the bench. The U.S. finishes at .500 for the 2001 season: 6-6-3. The U.S. meets South Korea at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 19, then faces Cuba two days later at the same venue in the Gold Cup. Dec. 9 in Seogwipo South Korea 1 USA 0. Goal: Yoo Sang-Chul 23. South Korea — Kim Byung-Ji, Choi Jin-Chul (Choi Sung-Yong, 75), Song Chong-Gug, Kim Sang-Sik; Lee Chun-Soo, Kim Nam-Il (Lee Young-Pyo, 54), Lee Eul-Yong, Choi Tai-Uk, Park Ji-Sung, Hwang Sun-Hong (Kim Do Hoon, 68), Yoo Sang-Chul. USA — Thornton, Mastroeni (Mulrooney, 68), Llamosa, Agoos, Gutierrez (Bocanegra,46), Armas, Jones (West, 73), Lagos, Donovan, Wolff (Cunningham, 46), McBride (Razov, 55). Att.: 42,256