SEOUL (AP) - Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic produced a series of key saves Saturday as Australia earned a point in a goalless draw with host South Korea at the East Asian Cup opening match.

Dominating the first half, South Korea came close in the 15th minute when Yun Il-lok fired a low drive that was stopped by Galekovic.

Minutes later, the Adelaide United  keeper denied Lee Seung-ki, whose long-range effort appeared headed for the top left corner.

Australia rarely got out of its half in the opening 45 minutes with South Korea enjoying a huge amount of space to control the game.

Ryan McGowan had Australia s best chance of the second half, sending a free kick from Dario Vidosic just wide of goal, while substitute Yeom Ki-hun hit the post in the 70th for South Korea.

Australia coach Holger Osieck selected eight uncapped players from the domestic A-League.

Saturday s opener was the first game in charge for South Korea s Hong Myong-bo, who was captain of the South Korean team which reached the 2002 World Cup semifinals.

Australia is contesting the East Asian Cup for the first time with South Korea, Japan and China.

Japan plays defending champion China on Sunday. China won the tournament in 2005 while South Korea claimed the title in 2003 and 2008.