"Long ball tactics from Oman are expected."

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), will face Oman on the 20th at 8 p.m. at Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province in the 7th match of Group B in the third round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Korea maintains its 1st place in Group B with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws). Iraq (11 points), Jordan (9 points), Oman (6 points), Kuwait (4 points), and Palestine (3 points) are following. The top two teams in each group of the third round of qualifiers will receive direct tickets to the finals.

If South Korea wins both the upcoming match against Oman and the one scheduled against Jordan on the 25th, earning 6 points, it will secure a spot in the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time, regardless of the results of the matches against Iraq and Kuwait in June.

South Korea's FIFA ranking is 23rd. Oman is ranked 80th, and Jordan is 64th. Analysts believe South Korea has the advantage in objective strength, and since these two matches are being held at home, the chances of victory for Hong Myung-bo's team are high.

South Korea won 3-1 in an away match against Oman in Muscat during the third round of qualifiers last September. Son Heung-min (Tottenham) was a standout player with 1 goal and 2 assists. The team is determined to dominate Oman at home as well.

On the day before the match, on the 19th, all 28 members of the national team completed their last training session before the game. A variable is the absence of Kim Min-jae. While the team can manage without one player, the need to implement a new defensive combination introduces some level of risk.

Coach Hong Myung-bo noted at a press conference held on the 19th at Goyang Sports Complex, "Based on the analysis of the first match and other games, how our players pressure from different positions will change the attacking patterns," adding, "I expect long balls from them." He anticipates that Oman will employ a strategy of quickly sending the ball into the penalty box with long-range passes and finishing.

In this squad, Kim Joo-sung, the main center-back from FC Seoul, has been selected to replace Kim Min-jae, who is out due to injury. Along with him, Kwon Kyung-won (Khor Fakkan), Jung Seung-hyun (Al Wasl), and Jo Yu-min (Sharjah) have also been chosen, and Park Seung-wook (Gimcheon Sangmu) is another option who can play in the center-back position.

Coach Hong emphasized, "It is indeed a time when changes in defense are necessary," noting that "the key issue is how well we can combine players who have spent time together during this period."

He added, "We will conduct our final tactical training (on the 19th), but selecting players who possess good communication and leadership skills on the field is crucial," talking about the criteria for the players to be selected.

He also mentioned, "It is a point in time when change is necessary. It is a good opportunity for the team. I have felt that the players are ready to that extent."

Oman is likely to adopt a strategy focused on compact defense and counterattacks, as it faces a stronger South Korea. If South Korea concedes an early goal, scoring opportunities will likely diminish.

Coach Hong stated, "We have well-discussed responses to direct balls and second balls with the players. There are models for when we will and won’t apply pressure. We are paying close attention to this," and assured thorough preparation.

Meanwhile, Oman coach Rasheed Jabir said at a press conference held afterward, "This is an important match. South Korea is one of the strongest teams in Asia. We need to face them and be prepared mentally, physically, and technically. We hope to show a good performance to survive the group stage. Our players are also 100% ready," promising to give their best.

Regarding the absence of Kim Min-jae, he said, "There will be no changes due to his absence. South Korea is a team of high quality. We are not a team that relies on one player. I expect the other players coming in to be excellent as well. Our tactical approach will remain unchanged in that aspect."

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