Coach Hong Myung-bo was determined to focus only on winning the match against Palestine regardless of the results of other teams.
The national soccer team, led by head coach Hong, will play the 6th away game of Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup at Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, at 11 p.m. on the 19th (Korea time).
Currently, Korea ranks first with 13 points (4 wins and 1 draw), while Palestine ranks sixth with two points (2 draws and 3 losses).
With the third qualifying round turning around, South Korea is five points ahead of second-place Jordan (eight points, two wins, two draws and one loss).
If he wins the match against Palestine, he will cross the eighth ridge of the “11th consecutive World Cup finals.”
The national soccer team left Kuwait at 10 p.m. on the 17th and entered Jordan on the 18th.
Coach Hong met with reporters before heading to Jordan and expressed his determination ahead of the Palestinian match.
“I rested well until yesterday and practiced this morning. The players did well in concentration despite the hot weather. The atmosphere of the team is also very good,” said Hong, who continued the training from Kuwait until the morning of his departure.
The break given by head coach Hong during the Middle East expedition on the 15th helped the players greatly.
The next day, the players who met at the training ground sweated even brighter.
Coach Hong said, “There is nothing I can do here. The hardest thing to do when you come out of a place like this is to meet people face to face. It’s better to do what you want to do or make time to rest.”
South Korea’s lead position was solidified as Jordan and Iraq drew in the fifth game.
Asked if the solo system would ease the burden, Hong said, “No. Regardless of what the opponent is, we have to win a lot of points. Winning the game is the most important thing.”
The national soccer team entered Jordan a day before the match against Palestine, but it is not expected to be a big problem as it has already experienced Amman International Stadium last month.
Coach Hong also said, “(Amman International Stadium) has a comfortable feeling,” adding, “Our players and the stadium environment have been done once, so they will have a comfortable feeling.” 스포츠토토
The national soccer team will hold its last training session in preparation for the match against Palestine at Amman International Stadium on the 18th.
He will face the Palestinians on the 19th and return home on the 20th.
