“Korean Messi” Lee Seung-woo (26, Jeonbuk) played with the national flag for the first time in five years.
Team Korea led by head coach Hong Myung-bo beat Iraq 3-2 with consecutive goals by Oh Se-hoon, Oh Hyun-kyu and Lee Jae-sung in the fourth Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2020 North-China World Cup, which will be held at Mir Stadium in Yongin at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Korea (three wins and one draw) with three consecutive wins has maintained its unbeaten streak to maintain its lead in the group. Iraq (2 wins, one draw and one loss) suffered its first defeat.
We wondered if Oh Se-hoon’s first goal would make it easier for Korea to resolve the situation. However, Oh allowed Aymen Hussein to score the equalizer. Oh Hyun-kyu, who replaced him in frustrating mood, scored the second goal. Adding to Lee Jae-seong’s additional goal, Korea was confident of its victory.
Although he played for a short time, there was a player who made my heart race more than anyone else. It was Lee Seung-woo who replaced Lee Jae-sung in the 42nd minute of the second half. The player, dubbed the “future of Korean soccer,” returned to the national team for the first time in five years and five months.
“Hwang Hee-chan (sprained left ankle) and Um Ji-sung (sprained left knee) were not allowed to play in the match against Iraq and were dismissed from the call-up,” the Korea Football Association said on Wednesday. “We will replace Lee Seung-woo and Moon Seon-min (Jeonbuk Hyundai).”
It was a significant return to the national flag for Lee. Lee, who has played for Barcelona’s Juvenil since his youth, has been nicknamed the “Korean Messi.” Everyone has predicted Lee as the future of Korean soccer. Lee joined the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia as the youngest player, recognizing his potential.
However, the team had a long ordeal. Throughout the Italian, Portuguese and Belgian leagues, Lee failed to settle down. Lee appeared in the K-League after returning to Suwon FC in 2021. He instantly rose to star status thanks to his witty passes and high goal-scoring ability.
In this season’s K-League, Lee also had 11 goals and five assists, displaying stellar performance as a top-notch midfielder. Fast speed and high-quality individual skills were his weapon, and he performed very well in both sides and center. However, Lee had no chance to become a second player as the national team had strong resources. After appointing Hong Myung-bo, Lee, who had high expectations once again, pledged his next move.
Those who keep waiting have a chance. Lee Seung-woo won the national flag due to unexpected injuries such as Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan and Um Ji-sung. It was his first return match in five years and five months. Lee Seung-woo, who has played 12 A-match games, has yet to score a goal.
Coach Hong Myung-bo comprised Bae Joon-ho, Lee Jae-seong, and Lee Kang-in on the offensive end of Oh Se-hoon’s one-top team. Lee stood by while standing on the bench. Korea dominated the early stages and continued to attack. However, as Iraq’s defense was too thick, the opportunity did not come. Bae’s first shot was unfortunately deflected off the defender. 메이저놀이터
The situation continued to remain 0-0 until midway through the first half. We needed a player in the midfield to sway the opponent with individual talents. If the scoreless situation continued, coach Hong Myung-bo could have pulled out Lee’s card in the second half. Lee was given the opportunity to play in the 42nd minute of the second half when he led 3-2. Lee Jae-seong, who scored his third goal, congratulated his junior on playing in the match, clapping his hands.
After the match, Lee said, “I’m glad that my team won, and I’m glad that it’s been a while since I returned. I ran for a short time, but I’m satisfied with the run and I think I’ll have good dreams today. It’s been a long time, so I wanted to run fast.”