Diego Forlán Earns First Win as Uruguay Manager With 4-1 Rout of South Korea in Seoul

Uruguay secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over South Korea in an international friendly at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, delivering Diego Forlán his first win as head manager of the Celeste. The breakthrough performance in South Korea came after a difficult start to his tenure, highlighted by a 3-1 defeat against Japan in his debut match. Operating with high defensive pressure and vertical ball movement, Uruguay dismantled the hosts with a dominant first-half display.

First-Half Surge Establishes Control

The visiting side established a commanding lead before the interval, netting three goals inside the opening 43 minutes. Darwin Núñez opened the scoring in the 13th minute, breaking through the South Korean defensive line after receiving a precise through ball from Giorgian De Arrascaeta. Núñez converted with his right foot to record his first international goal in over two years, having last scored for his country on June 28, 2024, against Bolivia. De Arrascaeta doubled the advantage, firing a right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area. Uruguay extended the margin to 3-0 just before halftime when defender Kim Min-jae turned the ball into his own net under pressure from a surging Guillermo Varela.

Managing the Match and Securing the Result

South Korea responded after halftime with increased attacking pressure, deploying Son Heung-min and returning Kang-in Lee—who had rested during their previous fixture due to match congestion with Atlético Madrid. Despite the hosts’ territorial dominance in the second half, Uruguay transitioned into a disciplined defensive block. Goalkeeper Christopher Fiermain, the 28-year-old Bucaramanga shot-stopper, made crucial saves to preserve the multi-goal cushion. Uruguay added a fourth goal on the hour mark when Núñez headed in a cross delivered by Varela. South Korea eventually managed a response, but the early deficit proved insurmountable for manager Robert Moreno’s side.

Ending a Winless Drought

The victory provides substantial relief for the Celeste, who entered the fixture winless across their previous six matches in 2025, recording four draws and two losses. Prior to Monday, Uruguay’s last international victory dated back nearly a year to a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan on October 13, 2025. The result also helps ease the pressure following the team’s fiasco at the 2026 World Cup and the subsequent coaching transition.

Player Performances and Tactical Adjustments

Forlán introduced four changes to the starting lineup, with De Arrascaeta proving to be the tactical catalyst. Operating as the primary playmaker, the Flamengo midfielder contributed a goal and an assist before sustaining an injury that forced him off in the 77th minute. Núñez, currently playing for Al-Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, added his second of the match in the second half, bringing his career international tally to 15 goals in 43 appearances. Varela’s pace on the right flank continually troubled the South Korean backline, creating the opportunities that led to both the own goal and Núñez’s second header.