The loss through the draw allowed, monster Kim Min-jae's vacancy was huge
Mar 20, 2025
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South Korea's A national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 1-1 against Oman at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province at 8 p.m. on the 20th in Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup. With 15 points (4 wins and 3 draws), South Korea had to settle for the lead. From the North Korea-China World Cup, the number of countries that advance to the finals will increase from 32 to 48. In Asia, 8.5 tickets were also allocated, up from 4.5 to 4. In the third qualifying round, the first and second places in each group will win a ticket to the North Korea-China World Cup finals. Even though I twisted it on this day, I still have a chance.
Hong operated the 4-2-3-1 system. With Joo Min-kyu (Daejeon) in the one-top, Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhamton) stood at the second line. Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham) were paired with defensive midfielders. Lee Tae-seok (Pohang), Kwon Kyung-won (Corpacan Club), Cho Yoo-min (Sharjah), and Seol Young-woo (Zvezda) were located in Fourback. Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan) defended the goal.
The national team's concern was also Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich). Kim Min-jae was included in the call-up list against Oman and Jordan in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup. However, on the 17th, it was decided that treatment and recovery were needed during the A-match due to left Achilles tendinitis, so the call was lifted. Instead, Hong replaced FC Seoul defender Kim Joo-sung.
Concerns have been steadily raised about Kim Min-jae's risk of injury. With Bayern playing both the German Bundesliga and the European Champions League, Kim Min-jae has consistently played as the main defender. Accumulated fatigue has been observed to lead to poor condition and increased risk of injury. Eventually, concerns became a reality due to the national team's fall.
Kim Min-jae is the core of the national team's power that does not need to be explained. Unlike the rich second line, the defense has no resources to replace Kim Min-jae. Although the opponent is below us, Kim Min-jae's presence or absence is directly related to the national team's performance. Coach Hong said "As you know, Kim Min-jae is a very important player for our team. However, a little disappointing is that Munich should have prevented it to protect players. There have been signals about the risk of injury since before. The national team was fully aware of the risk of injury." He then expressed regret again, saying, `I'm going to play without an important player in an important game,' but added, `I wanted to give him a bold break because it's not right to put that player (Kim Min-jae) in the game now in order to protect the player.' Immediately after Hong's remarks, the German media also showed great interest.
Ahead of the game, head coach Hong emphasized, "'It's time for a change in defense' and "'The key is how much players we spend together in it.'" Then "It's time for a change. It's a good opportunity for the team. That's how much I felt that the players were prepared," he added.
However, it was different from Hong's expectations. Kwon Kyung-won, Cho Yoo-min and Middle East duo, who defended the center on behalf of Kim Min-jae, failed to stop Oman in the end. He was shaken by the opponent's counterattack. In the second half, Cho Yoo-min made a big mistake, causing concern, and he made a decisive shot to the opponent at the end of the second half. I did my best, but it was a game where I felt Kim Min-jae's absence.
Reporter Park Chan-joon vanbasten@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
