Following Captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Um Ji-sung (Swansea City) have also been injured, and Hong Myung-bo is facing a crisis in which he has to operate Plan C. Could Bae Joon-ho (Stoke City), the youngest born in 2003, and Lee Seung-woo (Jeonbuk Hyundai), the talented player, be alternatives to the left-handed offense.
In a pre-training interview held at Yongin Mir Stadium on Sunday, Lee Seung-woo of the Korean men’s national soccer team said, “I suddenly joined the national team, and I got on the standing train. I crouched down quietly and couldn’t see anyone (laughs),” adding, “My teammates treated me warmly. It’s a pity that the injured players came out, but the atmosphere is really good. I will show you everything I can.” It is the first time in five years and four months that Lee joined the senior team.
Coach Hong Myung-bo focused on finding a new offensive combination ahead of the home game against Iraq in Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at the same place on the 15th. South Korea won 2-0 away to Jordan in the third round on the 10th, but lost two strikers to injuries. Hwang Hee-chan, who started, had his left ankle crushed by the opponent who threw himself in the 23rd minute of the first half, and Um Ji-sung, who was replaced, also left the stadium complaining of knee pain in the 6th minute of the second half.
Hong chose Lee Seung-woo and Moon Seon-min (Jeonbuk Hyundai) as substitutes. Lee, who ranked fifth in the K-League 1 scoring with 11 goals (five assists), will contribute to his unique footwork and scoring ability. Moon is expected to take the backup role as a veteran striker who has played 16 A matches (two goals).
However, chances are high that Bae will take the left side first. Bae, who stepped on the field instead of thumb-sung against Jordan, shook the opposing defense with aggressive penetration into the back space and cheerful dribbling. In the 23rd minute of the second half, he lightly passed the ball that he won by forward pressure to help Oh Hyun-kyu (Henk) score. Nine minutes later, he also grabbed the attention of Hong by peeling off two opposing defenders and hitting a powerful shot. 안전놀이터
“I had an unexpected opportunity (against Jordan). I was able to do well as I played actively out of desperation,” Bae said on the day. “I have to compete again against Iraq. If I participate in the match, I will create synergy with (Lee) Kang-in on the left and right sides.”
Coach Hong said at Incheon International Airport, where he arrived on the 11th, “I was embarrassed because both Hwang Hee-chan and Um Ji-sung, who were in good condition, were injured, but Bae Jun-ho did a good job. It is an important resource for the future of Korean soccer, so I will watch it steadily,” adding, “The team’s performance is getting better. Regardless of his previous victory, I will focus on the next game.”