The Koreans, semifinalists at the 2002 World Cup on home soil, rested several key players including their entire midfield and such notables as Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung.

But the Korean second string, who face France, Switzerland and Togo in the first round of the World Cup, were unable to find a way through a dour Norwegian line-up.

The Koreans' Dutch coach Dick Advocaat defended his team's performance however, saying it was unrealistic to expect the new-look side to win by a hatful of goals.

"I think the game was a good result for us," said Advocaat, whose side face Ghana in Edinburgh on Sunday in their final warm-up match.

"Because of my experience with Holland, I know it is very difficult to play here. Furthermore, we did not have our usual line-up.

"We still have players on the bench. Ghana is the most important preparation game for us. The Korean press would like that we win 5-0 or 6-0 each game, but it is not the way it works. We played against an international team."

Korea saw goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae replaced towards the end of the first half after a collision with Norway striker Morten Gamst Pedersen.

The Asians' defence was also given a torrid time by Norway's powerful striker John Carew, who nevertheless was unable to convert his dominance into goals.

Advocaat said he was particularly happy at the way Korea had dealt with the aerial threat posed by the Norwegians, who missed out on a place at the World Cup after losing to the Czech Republic in the play-offs.

"I am also pleased with the way they played, because it is very difficult to face a team which plays long balls," said Advocaat. "It costs a lot of energy to get the ball."