Lee Kang-in (23, PSG) will be the solution in Hong Myung-bo without Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham).
The national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the third round of the Asian qualifying round for the 2020 North-China World Cup against Jordan at Amman International Stadium in Jordan on Saturday. Jordan (1 win, 1 draw, 4 goals) is leading the group, while South Korea (1 win, 1 draw, 3 goals) is ranking second. If South Korea is to regain the lead in the group, it must catch Jordan.
The biggest issue at the match against Jordan is Son’s absence as expected. Son, who injured his hamstring at Tottenham, has not been called up for the national team. It is the first time in a year that Son will miss the A-match since the game against Tunisia in October last year.
A new player must play in Son Heung-min’s position. Coach Hong Myung-bo can use existing Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in as left and right wings. Or new players such as Bae Jun-ho, Um Ji-sung and Lee Dong-kyung can be used in an unconventional way. It is the best concern that will determine the victory or defeat against Jordan.
For Lee Kang-in, the match against Jordan is a game that must be avenged. In the semifinals of the Asian Cup in February, South Korea was completely defeated by Jordan 0-2. The result was also a result, but it was disastrously broken in the content of the game. He failed to control Jordan at all in the midfield battle. South Korea’s defense, including the left and right sides, has been penetrated repeatedly. South Korea also failed to resolve its scoring opportunities. 메이저놀이터
There is no Son Heung-min now. We need a solver who can give us a shot in the moment of crisis. This time, Lee Kang-in should do it.
The ‘table tennis incident’ that became a curse in the national brother
There is another reason to beat Lee Kang-in. Ahead of the last Jordan match, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min scuffled over the “table ball incident.” Son Heung-min grabbed Lee Kang-in by the collar and dislocated his finger. The atmosphere of the national team was also broken. In the end, internal events also greatly affected the national team’s performance.
Since then, Lee Kang-in has been reduced from a national younger brother to a “curse.” Lee Kang-in’s image was hit hard by the cut-off of advertisements. There was even a phenomenon where Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in fans fought each other. It was a huge loss to Korean soccer.
The incident ended when Lee Kang-in flew to London and apologized to Son Heung-min. In the match against Thailand, Lee Kang-in’s pass was connected to the winning goal. Lee Kang-in ran and hugged Son Heung-min. It was a symbolic moment when the crisis of Korean soccer was sealed.
“Plan B has a player or a tactic to replace Son. The most important thing is what kind of performance he will show. Tactically, we cannot completely change (Son Heung-min). Someone has to move on. It is important whether the player who moves to the empty spot will perform that much,” Hong said.
Now Lee Kang-in should do it. Lee Kang-in should exert his power in the absence of Son Heung-min. It is a great opportunity for Lee Kang-in to shine.
