Coach Hong Myung-bo pointed out that filling Son Heung-min’s gap is the key point of the match against Jordan.
Hong’s task is to fill not only the vacancy of Son on the pitch but also the void felt outside the stadium. Considering how Son’s presence as well as his tactical importance affects the atmosphere of the team, it is something to be pointed out as important enough.
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the third Group B match against Jordan at the Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan’s capital, at 11 p.m. on the 10th (Korea time).
Currently, South Korea maintains four points along with Jordan and Iraq, but is in second place in Group B, losing the top spot in the rankings to Jordan after falling behind in the scoring record.
Team Hong Myung-bo, which started anew for the first time in 10 years, had one win and one draw in two consecutive matches against Palestine (home) and Oman (away) last month, and achieved a half success. Korea, which had a scoreless draw even after bringing home Palestine, ranked 98th in FIFA, won the away match in Oman thanks to the performance of its captain Son Heung-min, who scored one goal and two assists.
As South Korea, Jordan, and Iraq won four points side by side in the first two games of the third qualifying round, the third and fourth games that will be held during the A-match period in October have become more important. This is because the results of the two consecutive games may determine the lead of Group B alone.
Although the number of tickets to the World Cup finals has increased to 48, Hong Myung-bo must secure enough points in two October A matches when he meets Jordan and Iraq, the leading contenders, because he has to play additional qualifying playoffs if he fails to finish first or second in each group.
Ahead of an important match, Team Hong began training in earnest two days before the match. Meeting reporters before the training, Hong said, “He seemed to have accumulated a bit of fatigue due to long-distance flight and jet lag, but when asked by reporters if he was tired, he replied, “It is okay.”
“Still, I think I have more time and flight distance compared to last time. I think the players will be a little more comfortable,” Hong said. “The upcoming call-up is better in terms of physical strength compared to the September A-match.”
According to a source from the Korea Football Association, other European soccer players also visited Jordan on Sunday night and early morning on Saturday. Seol, who was the latest to arrive in Jordan, reportedly arrived at the airport at 4 a.m. on Sunday.
Although foreign players arrived a little later than expected, Hong said, “It’s better than last time. Last time, some players came the day before the game. Still, this time, they came two days before the game. I have to recover today and train tomorrow finally, but I have no choice. Still, I think it’s better than last time.” 안전놀이터
As such, October has more time to spare compared to September. This means that unlike September, when the team was in a hurry to win, Coach Hong Myung-bo also had time to prepare to wear tactical colors.
“We have something to prepare for this game as well as the next match against Iraq,” Hong said. “But I think the outcome is important because how much we can do it or not depends on the outcome. The direction we prepare can change depending on the result.”
“That’s why the upcoming two consecutive games are very important. In a way, the opponent team is the strongest among the games that we have to play. That’s why not only the coaching staff but also the players are probably aware of the fact that this call-up is more important than any other time,” he added.