Lee Kang-in will play a key role in breaking through Oman’s defense.
The South Korean national soccer team (23rd in FIFA rankings), led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Oman (76th in FIFA ranking) in the second Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China (USA-Canada-Mexico) World Cup at Sultan Kavs Stadium in Muscat, Oman, at 11 p.m. on the 10th (Korea time).
At the match against Palestine, which was a tight race, Lee Kang-in showed off his military career. Playing right wing, Lee struggled to penetrate the Palestinian defense. On the day, Lee had five shots, three shots on goal, three shots on goal, three chances and four attempts (five attempts) to break through. He displayed the highest number of performances in all categories. He also took charge of set pieces including corner kick and free kick, creating chances. Despite Lee’s crazy presence, Korea failed to score a goal and ended up tying 0-0.
Coach Hong Myung-bo said in a post-match press conference, “Today, we made tactical changes in the first half, the second half and the second half as well. We made creative passes and more. It was a short time, but we prepared. It is important to utilize the overall players. I think it is very important for our team to utilize Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan. I think it is the coaching staff’s homework to see if we can use those parts in a better way. We need to prepare so that we can find a better way.”
Now, the team will play an away match in Oman. Coach Hong Myung-bo predicted that there would be a change in the starting list, but Lee Kang-in will keep his starting position. Oman needed more points as it lost 0-1 in the first round against Iraq. It is home, but it plans to defend itself more and prevent the Korean attack. A similar pattern can unfold to the match against Palestine.
Lee Kang-in should be utilized. Perhaps he is a player who will play an important role than Son Heung-min. Lee Kang-in’s key pass and dribbling ability should be better utilized, and detailed movements are important when Lee Kang-in catches the ball. In particular, he needs to breathe with the right fullback. In the match against Palestine, Hwang Moon-ki came out, but it was difficult to get a high evaluation in terms of breathing. Seol Young-woo is used as a right back again, or Hwang Jae-won is also available. You can use Hwang Moon-ki again, who worked together. 토토사이트
Hong Myung-bo can achieve his first win of the season only when Lee Kang-in creates an opportunity and can solve it. Coach Hong Myung-bo also expressed regret that he could not make a decision after the match against Palestine. It is also worth watching who will be set up at the front line. There is a possibility that Oh Se-hoon, who connected Lee Kang-in’s pass well with a shot, will get a chance. The two have worked well together at the Poland Under-20 World Cup, where they finished second. The probability of winning against Oman will increase only when Lee Kang-in can play well.