Hwang Moon-ki (28, Gangwon), who looked at Lee Kang-in (23, PSG) closely, expressed his appreciation.
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, played the first Group B match of the third qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between North Korea and China at 8 p.m. on the 5th at Seoul World Cup Stadium to draw 0-0.
South Korea scored one point in the match against Palestine, which was Hong Myung-bo’s A-match debut in 10 years. “Hong Myung-bo” will seek its first victory in Oman’s away match in the second group match on the 10th.
On this day, South Korea took the lead throughout the game, but failed to connect with shots. The national team, which went for its first victory in the midst of a number of controversies outside the game, was an elite member of the first match of the third qualifying round, but due to the disappointing grass conditions and poor determination of the Seoul World Cup Stadium, it was promised its first win in the next game.
Among the 11 players in the starting lineup, Hwang is the most unexpected name. Born in 1996, Hwang was the first to be selected by the Korean team, as he is the same age as mid-level players of the national team including Hwang Hee-chan, Kim Min-jae and Hwang In-beom. Hwang is ranked second in assists in the K-League by posting six assists with sharp crosses and forward passes that caught him off guard as a midfielder.
Hwang, who worked with Lee Kang-in, who played as a wing forward on the right line, mainly played defense and support roles. Depending on the situation, he actively overlapped and crossed, contributing to the attack. He succeeded in completing his impressive debut by leaving the stadium in the 22nd minute of the second half as a substitute for Hwang Jae-won (Daegu FC).
Hwang played another role while playing for Gangwon Province in the national team on the day. “Any player has to play according to the coach’s tactics, regardless of team he plays for, as a get professional player,” he said. “So I was a bit disappointed. I will try my best to be able to melt into the national team more quickly and tactically.”
Hwang Moon-ki, who collaborated with Lee Kang-in on the right, said, “I see why you play for the best team in France. I found out that you are one-up. Still, it is regrettable that I did not support you properly.”
Korea displayed frustrating performance on the day. While leading the game, the team failed to easily connect with shots. The one who stood out the most was Lee Kang-in. He was responsible for the start and progress of Korea’s offense with proper dribbling and sharp passes.
Lee Kang-in played diligently. In the 41st minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in, who entered the box after receiving a one-two pass with a teammate, tried to shoot with his right foot that was low. It seemed to fall through the goalkeeper’s legs, but he calmly caught it. Hwang In-beom sensibly held the ball and shot it, but he hit the side net. 메이저사이트
Lee Kang-in had a good chance in the 15th minute of the second half, but cried to the grass once again. Son Heung-min caught the ball that Oh Se-hoon gave and handed it over to Lee Kang-in. It was a completely free situation because there was no defender to stick to. Lee Kang-in connected it with a left-footed shot, but he crossed the crossbar. It was a big mistake because of the grass.
Lee Kang-in, who got a free kick from a good position in the 28th minute of the second half, fired a sharp shot, but it was also blocked.
Lee Kang-in played so well that Hwang Moon-ki played together and felt it.
Yang Min-hyuk, who drew great attention, was not included in the list for now. In response, Hwang Moon-ki smiled, saying, “I’m sorry that (Yang) Min-hyuk was not a non-playing member, but he kept supporting us. Let’s do well next time we get a chance.”
