'A long way back' Next-generation Stryker Oh Se-hoon finally scored his A-match debut goal and roared
Oct 15, 2024
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The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, beat Iraq 3-2 in the fourth Group B match of the 2026 North-China World Cup Asia 3 qualifying round at Yongin Mir Stadium in Gyeonggi Province on the 15th. South Korea finished the first half with a 1-0 lead. In the second half, he gave Iraq an equalizer, but he won by scoring two goals in a row. South Korea has maintained its No. 1 position in Group B with three wins and one draw (10 points).
South Korea came up with a 4-2-3-1 tactic. Oh Se-hoon led the attack on the front line. Bae Joon-ho (Stoke City), Lee Jae-sung (Mines) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) helped from behind. Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) worked together on defensive midfielders. Lee Myung-jae (Ulsan), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Cho Yoo-min (Sharja) and Seol Young-woo (Zvezda) were located in Fourback. Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan) defended the goal.
Oh Se-hoon, who was born in 1999, was once considered a "next-generation striker" to lead Korean soccer. He received high marks for his tall height (1m93), active movement, etc. He has been a key player in attack since his days as a member of the national team by age. In particular, he helped South Korea finish second as a main striker at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
He also made a soft landing on the professional stage. Asan Mugunghwa (rental) - I gained experience step by step through the Korean military sports unit. He performed best in 2021. After being discharged from the military in Gimcheon, he returned to Ulsan, his original team, and showed off his talent. He scored seven goals and one assist in 19 games in the second half of the K League. Including the record of official matches such as the Cup, he left 10 goals and 4 assists.
There was a love call for Oh Se-hoon. Shimizu of Japan's J-League has started recruiting Oh Se-hoon. Coach Hong, who was leading Ulsan at the time, had a different idea. I hoped Oh Se-hoon would remain in Ulsan and play as a leading striker. However, Oh Se-hoon left Hong and wore Shimizu uniform. In the process of breaking up, he did not look smooth with Ulsan club and head coach Hong.
It's been three years like that. Oh Se-hoon, who left confidently, went through ups and downs in Japan. He did not perform as well as expected in Shimizu. Ahead of this season, he moved to Machida Zelvia on loan and took on a new challenge. Oh played 1910 minutes in 28 J-League games this season. He scored seven goals and two assists. Machida ranks third in the J-League 1 with Oh Se-hoon's performance.
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Oh Se-hoon had another chance. He started against Iraq. He took full advantage of his overwhelming physicality. He defended his opponent's defense from the front line with his whole body. He defended the ball despite the Iraqi players' tough defense. When Oh Se-hoon held out in front of him, the second-line strikers fluttered. Bae Joon-ho and Lee Jae-sung created an attack opportunity by penetrating the opponent's gap.
Oh Se-hoon also did not miss the opportunity he was given. He scored the first goal in the 40th minute of the first half when the game was 1-1. Oh Se-hoon calmly completed the goal with his left foot after receiving a pass through Hwang In-beom, Seol Young-woo, and Bae Jun-ho. It was his debut goal in four games since his A-match debut. Oh cheered and roared with his colleagues.
Oh Se-hoon was replaced by Oh Hyun-kyu (Henk) in the 14th minute of the second half and retired to the bench. He did his bit and smiled broadly.
epi17@sportschosun.com
