YONGIN: In a thrilling World Cup qualifying match at Yongin Mireu Stadium, South Korea’s emerging football talents stepped up in the absence of key Premier League players, securing a narrow 3-2 victory over Iraq. The match, critical for South Korea’s hopes in the Asian World Cup qualifying tournament, showcased the prowess of the nation’s young players, who filled the void left by injured stars.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the game saw South Korea’s younger contingent take center stage, delivering performances that highlighted their potential and importance to the national team’s future. Oh Se-hun, a 25-year-old forward, opened the scoring with his first international goal, with an assist from 21-year-old winger Bae Jun-ho. Oh’s replacement, 23-year-old Oh Hyeon-gyu, continued the momentum, scoring his second goal in consecutive matches to give South Korea a 2-1 lead. He had previously scored as a substitute in last week’s match against Jordan.
The youthful energy was palpable, with Oh Hyeon-gyu expres
sing confidence post-match about his role and contributions. “No matter what head coach Hong Myung-bo asks me to do, I will be ready to do my best. He always makes me feel confident, and he is very clear about how he wants to use me. I think it helped me score the goal tonight,” Oh Hyeon-gyu stated.
Veteran player Lee Jae-sung, at 32, played a pivotal role in setting up goals and scoring one himself, but emphasized the significance of the younger players’ contributions. “As a veteran, I am happy to have contributed to the win tonight,” Lee said. “And I think it means a great deal to the national team that we’ve seen some young guys step up. I think we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Bae Jun-ho, who stepped in for injured Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min and his replacements, was a standout performer on the left wing, continuing his impressive form from his club season with Stoke City. Bae’s playmaking ability and agility on the field were crucial in navigating past the tough Iraqi defense.
The ma
tch, attended by nearly 35,200 fans, not only boosted South Korea’s chances in the qualifying rounds but also served as a testament to the depth and talent within the national squad, compensating for the absence of top-tier players like Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan. The younger players’ ability to step up in critical games was praised by fans and analysts alike, suggesting a promising outlook for South Korean football on the international stage.