Only Ayman, the “Iraqi flagship striker,” must stop Hussein to earn three points.
The South Korean national soccer team (23rd in FIFA ranking), led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Iraq (55th in FIFA ranking) in the fourth Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (USA-Canada-Mexico) at Mir Stadium in Yongin at 8 p.m. on the 15th.
In this third qualifying round, the top and second place in the group will advance to the World Cup finals. The third and fourth place players can seek tickets through the playoffs. Korea’s goal is to confirm its advance to the World Cup finals through the third qualifying round. The situation is not bad.
Currently, Korea has seven points, which is the same as Iraq, but is leading the way in goal difference. If Korea wins this match, it can widen the gap with Iraq. At the same time, it has a higher chance of advancing to the World Cup finals.
The player that Korea should be wary of the most in the upcoming match against Iraq is Hussein. Hussein has been evaluated as a striker who will lead Iraq from a young age. Since his A-match debut against Lebanon in August 2015, he has been playing as the main striker in Iraq. He has scored 28 goals in 77 A-match games.
Hussein has scored an impressive number of goals recently. He has scored 12 goals in his last nine matches while wearing an Iraqi uniform. He scored goals in all of the matches he played at the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup. Notably, he garnered attention by scoring multiple goals against Japan.
Ahead of the upcoming match, some predicted that Hussein may not be able to play due to his injury, but at the training session, which was released on Monday, Hussein seemed to have no problem, warming up with a bright expression. He will most likely play against Korea. 메이저사이트
Hussein’s 189-centimeter-tall headers and powerful shots are threatening. He is the type of striker who cannot be easily stopped at the Asian level. If Korea is to take control of Iraq, its defense team, led by Kim Min-jae, should effectively block Hussein.
Hong Myung-bo, who attended the press conference before the event, said, “I am in good condition. I think he has good scoring ability. Our players have had several experiences. Having Hussein is threatening. First, I think we need to control the ball that comes to the player and prepare well how we will cover him if we receive the ball.”
Interim captain Kim Min-jae said, “I have great strength in balls in the air. I am a striker but constantly running. I think I should pay close attention to the player who provides the ball. I will have to pay attention to crosses and second balls. I will talk well with inexperienced players, cover them, and strengthen them to stop Hussein.”
