Vice-captain Lee Jae-sung (32, Mainz) promised the Korean people a happier 2025 Korean football.
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 1-1 with Palestine in the sixth Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, at 11 p.m. on the 19th (Korea time).
Korea continued its unbeaten streak by garnering four wins and two draws from six matches. It also maintained its No. 1 ranking in the group with 14 points. Palestine (score 3, draw 3, and loss 3) which was the lowest ranking, has now become the fifth, beating Kuwait that had played one less match.
Contrary to expectations, South Korea got off to a shaky start by conceding the first goal. Kim Min-jae’s back pass mistake in the 12th minute of the first half was an excuse. Cho Hyun-woo could not handle the ambiguous ball, and he lost a point to Zayed Kunbar, who ran quickly.
Fortunately, the team quickly scored the equalizer. At the 16th minute in the first half, Lee Jae-seong passed the ball to Son Heung-min who penetrated the ball through a one-touch pass from the left side. Son penetrated into the box and scored the equalizer with his accurate right foot shot. It was a perfect triangular pass that led to Lee Myung-jae, Lee Jae-seong and Son Heung-min.
Lee Jae-sung, who recorded valuable assist, was replaced by Bae Jun-ho in the 27th minute of the second half and was withdrawn to the bench. South Korea continued to tap the Palestinian goal to score a come-from-behind goal, but failed to achieve its goal.
Hong Myung-bo and Lee Jae-sung, who failed to win the last A-match in 2024, said in a broadcast interview after the match, “I prepared to win, but I’m sad that I didn’t win as a result. This year’s players did well despite difficulties, and they showed good progress. I think there are still areas where we need to improve further through today’s game. I will prepare well for next year with positive thoughts.” 메이저놀이터
The Korean soccer team had difficulties ranging from the replacement of its coach Jurgen Klinsmann to the appointment of Hong Myung-bo. Still, the team performed well in the third qualifying round, and succeeded in rebounding to some extent.
Lee Jae-sung said, “I think the players are leading the national team well because they are united in many things. I will continue to work together to bring joy to many people next year.”
Lastly, Lee Jae-sung said, “Fans. Thanks to your support and support for the national team, the players gave us a lot of energy. Please give us a lot of love and support next year. We will do our best and see you next year with better performances.”