Both countries are already through to the finals in Germany next year but the outcome crowned the Saudis as winners of the group with an unbeaten record ahead of the South Koreans.

It was the home side's second World Cup qualifying round defeat this year to Saudi Arabia, who inflicted a 2-0 reverse in March.

This time the deficit was narrower and the Saudis were fortunate to escape with a win against a side down to 10 men for the last 15 minutes. Midfielder Kim Dong-Jin was sent off for a vicious tackle on 20-year-old striker Mohammed al-Anbar.

The visitors took the lead after four minutes when al-Anbar found space in the penalty area and headed past goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae from a centre by Saleh al-Saqri.

It was a perfect start for the Saudi team but they had to cling on to the advantage for dear life as South Korea erupted in a frenzy of attacking football.

Chances came thick and fast but the malady of the South Koreans in recent months -- poor finishing -- surfaced again to frustrate their best efforts.

Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere, whose position has been in doubt recently, was justified in bringing back some of the stars of the 2002 World Cup to bring stability to the side.

The recall of Ahn Jung-Hwan, the 29-year-old who joined French club Metz in July, appeared to be a masterstroke by Bonfrere. The striker posed all sorts of problems for the Saudi defence in the first half.

But even the composed Ahn failed to hit the target although he came close on several occasions.

The game could have turned out differently if a brilliant shot by Baek Ji-Hoon, a relatibe newcomer at 20, had found the target and given South Korea an equalizer just eight minutes into the match.

His finishing was perfect but he was frustrated by a save of rare quality from Saudi goalkeeper Zaid Mabrouk.