'3rd qualifying round scoreless'The weapon to penetrate the Iraqi iron wall shield is right Kang-in - left Jun-ho 'Kang-ho duo'
Oct 15, 2024
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The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the fourth Group B match against Iraq in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at Mir Stadium in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, at 8 p.m. on the 15th. South Korea emerged as No. 1 in Group B with a 2-0 complete victory in an away game in Jordan on the 10th. Iraq (goal difference +2), which defeated Palestine 1-0 in the third game, was also ahead of the Republic of Korea (goal difference +4) with only two wins and one draw. If it crosses Iraq, it will effectively have a solo system. He can take a big step closer to advancing to the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time. In the third qualifying round, the first and second place teams will go straight to the finals, and the third and fourth place teams will go to the fourth qualifying round.
Coach Hong Myung-bo before the game and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) also said, "A match against Iraq with 6 points, I will bring the result unconditionally."That's why he raised his voice.
Although he was in the right mood by avenging the pain of the last Asian Cup against Jordan, Iraq is not a comfortable opponent.Iraq, which has been on an upward trajectory since the inauguration of Jesus Casas, who was also a candidate for the Korean national team, has produced a tremendous result of 6 wins and 1 mura in the last seven games. In particular, Iraq has played three games in the third qualifying round and is showing off its strong defense capability without conceding a single goal. He has allowed only one goal in seven undefeated matches.
In the end, the success or failure of the Iraq war depends on how to break through Iraq's hard shield. As it is South Korea's home game, Iraq is expected to stage a huge tight defense to get even one point. Coach Jesus Casas also praised South Korea's strength, saying, `Korea is the strongest in Asia.' In that sense, it is important for players to perform well that can make a difference even in a small space. This is why there are high expectations for the Iraq match and the 'Gang-Ho Duo'.
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Bae Jun-ho is the biggest harvest he got against Jordan. Bae Joon-ho, who got the opportunity due to a series of injuries to Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Um Ji-sung (Swansea City), showed why he is what Korean soccer expects. Bae Jun-ho, who was replaced in the third minute of the second half, played on the ground for 45 minutes, with one assist, 100% pass success rate (29 out of 29), 100% key pass success rate (2 out of 2), 100% dribble success rate (2 out of 2), 100% ball competition success rate (3 out of 3), and one effective shot.
With Hwang Hee-chan and Um Ji-sung eventually falling out of the national team due to injuries, Lee Seung-woo and Moon Seon-min (Jeonbuk) joined the team anew. However, considering his performance against Jordan, Bae Jun-ho is also likely to be the starting left striker against Iraq. Although he has not yet played in the national team, Bae Joon-ho overwhelms his competitors in all aspects, including his recent condition and current skills. Lee Seung-woo is likely to be the Joker, as he was in his team. Bae Joon-ho will work with Lee Kang-in on the built-in right wing, and chances are high that 'right Kang-in-left Jun-ho' will come forward.
Coach Hong also mentioned the two players. Director Hong said, `It's important how much alternative resources give because of the departure of Hwang Hee-chan and Um Ji-sung. I'm thinking about dressing up for Bae Jun-ho. Bae Jun-ho is growing fast. (getting a close-up mark)Lee Kang-in marked not only this time, but also at the Asian Cup. We need to find a solution. We need to find a role or method rather than worrying about our skills."
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He has the ability to break down the defense through elaborate 2-1 passes in the center or bold solo plays. The two players are also looking forward to playing together. Bae Jun-ho says, `I learn a lot from Kang-in. It was so nice to have the opportunity to play together. I think there can be synergy while running together like this. If I do what I can, I think I can help Kangin and the team"If I have a chance, I want to do my best and show you a good side again."
The play that the right Kang-in, left Jun-ho, and Kang-ho duo will create is by far the key point of the Iraq match.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
