South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo mentioned Monday he’s bracing for a tricky World Cup qualifying match in opposition to Oman away from house however he isn’t about to accept something lower than a victory.
South Korea and Oman will conflict Tuesday for his or her second Group B match within the third spherical of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match at Sultan Qaboos Sports activities Complicated in Muscat kicks off at 6 p.m. native time, or 11 p.m. in South Korea.
South Korea, world No. 23, bought their third spherical off to a disappointing begin final Thursday, after they have been held to a goalless draw by 96th-ranked Palestine.
Oman, ranked 76th, misplaced to Iraq 1-0 final week to start the third spherical.
The Palestine match was Hong’s first in his second tour of responsibility with the nationwide crew. He beforehand coached the Taegeuk Warriors from 2013 to 2014.
Hong was an unpopular selection from the second he was appointed in July due to lack of transparency in the course of the hiring course of by the Korea Soccer Affiliation. Hong was booed all through Thursday’s match.
At his prematch presser Monday at a Muscat resort, Hong mentioned he’ll attempt to put behind Thursday’s end result.
“It is tough to foretell the result of the match however we’ll do our greatest to get three factors,” Hong mentioned. “It is going to be a tough away match, however I’m not fascinated by something however profitable that match.”
South Korea had just one full day of coaching with the complete squad earlier than the Palestine match, as some Europe-based stars, together with captain Son Heung-min, solely arrived again house Tuesday night. Hong has had a bit extra time to get his crew prepared this time.
“I get the sensation that the crew is rounding into higher type than the final match, and the gamers are feeling higher, too,” Hong mentioned. “Having a pair extra days to work on our ways ought to assist us an excellent deal.”
Hong had mentioned after the Palestine match that he would make some lineup adjustments in opposition to Oman. He mentioned he has the lineup set in his thoughts aside from the left again place, with Seol Younger-woo, starter in opposition to Palestine, having suffered an obvious leg damage throughout that match.
Hong mentioned he isn’t taking Oman calmly however added, “The extra necessary factor is how properly we will play.”
“Most of our gamers have sufficient expertise in conditions like this. Our key guys have been by means of ultimate World Cup qualifying rounds,” Hong mentioned. “I belief these gamers and I hope they are going to overlook concerning the final match by the point they play tomorrow.”
There are three teams of six on this section, and the highest two groups from every group will qualify for the World Cup. Groups ranked third and fourth from the three teams will transfer on to the fourth spherical for an additional crack at qualifying for the massive match.
South Korea have performed at each World Cup since 1986 in Mexico. (Yonhap)
