“I forgot the past when I blushed.” Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), who was at the center of controversy, finished preparing to lead the victory against Oman with a bright expression.
Kim Min-jae headed to the stands as soon as he finished the first round of the group stage of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America on the 5th. It was for the request of “Cheer for me.” On this day, home fans booed along with an anti-call to the national soccer team coach Hong Myung-bo and the president of the Korea Football Association, Chung Mong-kyu. Kim Min-jae, who was booed at home, faced off with fans and expressed regret, and did not lower his head even when the team greeted the red devil.
Things got worse. Kim Min-jae just said, “I want you to cheer me on,” while his “captain” Son Heung-min said, “I shouldn’t have a case like Min-jae again.” Controversy erupted online over the booing by fans visiting the stadium. Eventually, the controversy subsided after the Red Devils said, “I have no support I hope for.”
Kim Min-jae, who entered Muscat for the second round match against Oman, which will take place at 11 p.m. on Saturday in Korean time, looked cheerful as if he had forgotten the fact. He accepted fans’ requests for autographs gathered at Muscat International Airport, and participated in the training with a smiling face.
Coach Hong Myung-bo, who had a loss-like draw in the first round, predicted a change ahead of the match against Oman. However, Kim Min-jae, the core player at the back, is expected to remain in place. Although the match against Palestine was completed without allowing a single goal, Kim’s partner is likely to change given that the defense line has been shaken significantly.
In the match against Palestine, Kim Min-jae was not as stable as usual, perhaps due to his condition such as jet lag. Hong was greatly shaken by counterattacks and set-pieces prepared by the Palestinians, who were a few steps lower in terms of power. Right before the end of the match, he even gave up one-on-one chances, which was virtually identical to a lost point. 안전놀이터
Oman lost to Asian powerhouse Iraq 0-1 in the first round, but showed off its potential by scoring 11 shots. Again, the team should be wary of Oman’s “one shot,” and intensive play by the defense is essential. Without experienced Kim Young-kwon (Ulsan HD), Kim Min-jae should take the center stage of the defense line.
Ahead of the second game, head coach Hong Myung-bo asked for support, saying, “Kim Min-jae is a player who always appreciates the fans and plays with the support of the fans.”
Kim Min-jae said on the 9th, a day before the Oman match, “I went to the audience and told them I was asking for a favor, and I don’t think I was wrong for saying that, but I think I was wrong for what I did after that.”