“I think I will be able to win at least one point in tomorrow’s game.” I can feel his determination in Thailand.
The South Korean national soccer team (22nd FIFA ranking), led by head coach Hwang Sun-hong, will face Thailand (101st FIFA ranking) in the third round of Group C of the 2026 FIFA Canada-Mexico-U.S. World Cup Asian qualifiers to be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 21st.
Korea is back on the starting line after the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup. The opponent team is Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand. At the time of the Asian Cup, they advanced to the tournament by running undefeated against Kyrgyzstan (2-0 win), Oman (0-0 draw), and Saudi Arabia (0-0 draw) in Group F. They failed to overcome Uzbekistan (1-2 loss) in the round of 16, but their performance was by no means bad.
Of course, there is definitely an objective difference in power from Korea. But there is no guaranteed victory. Captain Son Heung-min also said, “I don’t think there is a game that of course wins in soccer. I felt it while experiencing various leagues and playing many games. There must be a difference in ability, but I think the attitude of playing the game is the most important. You have to think that every game is the final. If you don’t play with that mindset, you could get into a big accident at home.”
Thailand is preparing with a resolute determination. Supachai Chaidid, a prestigious Buriram United striker and key striker for the Thai national team, said, “I am aware of Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in in the World Class. It will be a very difficult game, but as a one-team player, I will play well. I think I will be able to get at least one point tomorrow. The best scenario will be three points. I will do my best with pride on representing the country.”
“Our goal is to secure at least one point,” said Thai coach Masatada Ishii from Japan. “The key is to minimize mistakes. Korea has changed its coach, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact. The most important thing to focus on is performing what we have prepared.”
Thailand sweated a lot while watching the draw in an away match in Sangam. Then, what will be its previous record? According to the Korea Football Association (KFA), Korea had 30 wins, seven draws and eight losses in 45 matches. Most of the draws and losses were in the 60s and 70s. 노래방알바
The previous showdown was a friendly match in March 2016. Kim Young-kwon was the only player in the national team among the starting lineup at the time. Adding the bench, there are Kim Jin-soo and Lee Jae-sung.
The last loss was in the quarterfinals at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. Choi Yong-soo, Lee Dong-gook, Choi Sung-yong, Kim Byung-ji and Yoon Jung-hwan were the starters for Korea, while substitute Yoo Sang-cheol scored but lost.
South Korea, which wants to be reborn as a one-team, aims for two rabbits in terms of content and results against Thailand.