From physical fitness to generational change, we've caught everything. It couldn't have been a better victory.
South Korea won 3-1 with consecutive goals by Oh Se-hoon (Machida), Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Bae Joon-ho (Stoke City) in the fifth Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Kuwait at 11 p.m. on the 14th (Korea time). South Korea won four consecutive games and led Group B with 13 points. In the third qualifying round, the first and second places in each group will win a ticket to the World Cup finals. Through this victory, he took a big step closer to advancing to the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time.
Coach Hong Myung-bo abruptly included Son Heung-min (Tottenham) in the starting list of the team 'Captain'. Son Heung-min failed to join the A-match in October due to a hamstring injury. Son Heung-min has since repeatedly played and missed his team. Fortunately, he recently played in Aston Villa (4-1 wins), Galatasaray (2-3 losses), and Ipswich (1-2 losses). In particular, he played full time for the first time since his return against Ipswich.
Son Heung-min joined the national team on the 12th, but he was cautious. Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou said "We want a healthy Son Heung-min. I hope Son Heung-min will maintain good physical condition and contribute to each team"We asked for adjustment of the playing time. Coach Hong also plans to protect Son Heung-min as much as possible through selection and concentration. He said in a pre-match press conference, `It is not the stage to say whether Son Heung-min will participate or not. After the training, I will decide the playing time considering the overall situation."
Son Heung-min targeted Kuwait's defense in good condition on the day. He even scored in the 16th minute of the first half. Lee Jae-sung (Mints) stabbed Son Heung-min, who was penetrating into the center after a return pass with Oh Se-hoon (Manchida). In the process of Son Heung-min holding the ball and entering, he tripped over Kuwait's defense. The referee declared a penalty. Son Heung-min stepped up as a kicker. Deceiving the goalkeeper, he calmly succeeded on the other side. 50th goal of the A-match. Son Heung-min was on par with Hwang Sun-hong (50 goals) as a legendary striker. He tied for second place with the most goals in the A-match history of Korean men's soccer.
Coach Hong replaced Son Heung-min with Bae Joon-ho (Stoke City) in the 18th minute of the second half. It was a choice that considered not only injury concerns but also physical fitness arrangements. The moment they were chased 2-1 down, Bae Joon-ho scored the net. In the 28th minute of the second half, Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) stabbed an exquisite pass to Bae Joon-ho, who was penetrating. Bae Joon-ho shook Kuwait's net with a right-footed shot after beating one defense after a nice touch. It was a score that silenced Kuwait, which had been gaining momentum.
Coach Hong continued to prepare for the Palestinian match by replacing Lee Jae-sung and Hwang In-beom. It was a physical replacement for the players who had played a fierce game in Europe.
The generational change emphasized after Hong's appointment is also accelerating. Lee Tae-seok (Pohang) and Lee Hyun-joo (Hanover) made their A-match debuts on the same day. Lee Tae-seok was deployed in the 18th minute of the second half and Lee Hyun-joo in the 35th minute of the second half. In particular, Lee Tae-seok boldly put it in even when the opponent's offensive was intensifying. Lee Tae-seok put on an easy performance. Lee Hyun-joo made active movements, but the time was short to show something. However, it was a meaningful move just to make its first appearance in the A match.
Hong Myung-bo finished the match against Kuwait perfectly, getting his hands on everything he wanted, including victory, process, physical fitness arrangement, and generational change. It was a pleasant round.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
