'Right wing' Lee Kang-in is much better in the midfield today
'Right wing' Lee Kang-in is much better in the midfield today
Blog Article
As Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), the vertebrae of the Korean national soccer team, moaned due to injuries, Hong Myung-bo was put to the test from the first A match of this year. While Cho Yoo-min (Sharjah) and Kwon Kyung-won (Korpakan) are expected to protect the back, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) who will play the role of offensive commander in the midfield has become more important.
"All the members gathered yesterday (18th), just one day before the home game of Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Oman," Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the national team, said in an official press conference held at Goyang Stadium on Wednesday. "There are some players who are very tired, but since it is an important match, I will focus on the last training session," he said. "I expect that Oman will use the long pass. The pressure from the offense and the defense team's response are important."
If South Korea (4 wins and 2 draws), which ranks first in Group B, beats third-place Jordan (2 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss) in Game 8 on the 25th, following fourth-place Oman (2 wins, 4 losses), it will confirm its advance to the finals early. Captain Son Heung-min said, "As the first step is important, I have a great sense of responsibility to win," adding, "I advised young players not to lose the opportunity they dreamed of while being shy because the time is short."
However, it is uncertain whether Hwang In-beom, the "nuclear of the middle crew," will play in the match. Hwang, who injured his calf in December last year, played in the Netherlands League's 26th round match against Tvente on Saturday for the first time in three months. However, he only played in the first half due to bruising on his foot. "We will watch the final training today and decide whether to play or not," Hong said.
Coach Hong has selected a number of Hwang In-beom's replacements, ranging from Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) as a third-line volunteer to Bae Joon-ho (Stoke City) and Lee Dong-kyung (Kim Cheon Sang-bu). Lee Kang-in, who served as the right side of the national team, may be placed at the center and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) on the side. Regardless of his location, Lee Kang-in is highly likely to come down to the midfield and launch an attack.
Cho and Kwon are mentioned as the central defense team. Cho is considered to be in harmony with fast feet and accurate judgment, while Kwon has the right to provide and pass skills. "We plan to release resources with communication skills and leadership through tactical training. It is time for a change, and this will serve as an opportunity to expand our availability," Hong said.
"Kwon Kyung-won, 온라인카지노 a left-footed player who can own and distribute the ball like Kim Min-jae, is highly likely to be chosen by Hong," Coupang Play commentator Han Joon-hee said in a telephone interview with the Seoul Shimbun. "It is hard to replace Hwang In-beom's versatility, so weakening the midfield is inevitable. Hong's mercenary skills based on the proportion of offense and defense is important."