Lee Kang-in's pass connected with Hwang Hee-chan's goal.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), is competing against Oman in the 7th match of Group B in the 3rd qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, which is being held at Goyang Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 20th. South Korea took a 1-0 lead with Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal.

South Korea started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Joo Min-kyu was positioned at the front, while Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan stood in the attacking second line. Baek Seung-ho and Park Yong-woo protected the back four, and Lee Tae-seok, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Yu-min, and Seol Young-woo formed the defensive line. The goal was defended by Jo Hyun-woo.

Oman also deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Issam Al Sabhi aimed to score, while Abdul Al-Masafri, Ali Al-Busaidi, and Yamil Al-Yahmadi stood in the attacking second line. Abdullah Fawaz and Said Al-Alawi filled the midfield, and Al-Rushaidi, Khalid Al-Buraiki, Ahmed Al-Kamishi, and Abdullah Al-Harthi formed the back four. The gloves of the goalkeeper were worn by Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini.

In the first half, South Korea increased their ball possession and sought to score. Seol Young-woo and Hwang Hee-chan, positioned on the right flank, disrupted the defense and passed the ball to Son Heung-min, who moved into the center to attack.

Oman was not passive either. Through a quick counterattack, Al Sabhi managed to break through the defense once and created a dangerous chance.

In the 22nd minute of the first half, Son Heung-min, who received the ball on the left flank, drew the opposing defense and passed to Park Yong-woo, who sent the ball into the box, but it was blocked by the defense.

South Korea felt regret. In the 35th minute of the first half, a cross by Baek Seung-ho headed toward the box, and the attackers dove for a header, but the goalkeeper deflected the ball with his hands.

Shortly after, South Korea faced adversity as Baek Seung-ho fell injured during a contest, and South Korea substituted in Lee Kang-in in the 38th minute.

The introduction of Lee Kang-in proved effective. In the 41st minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in delivered a pass to the penetrating Hwang Hee-chan, who received the ball in the box and immediately shot, giving South Korea a 1-0 lead.

After struggling to create shots, South Korea found some relief with Hwang Hee-chan's goal.

[OSEN]