"More preparation and study are needed."

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo (56), faced Oman in the 7th match of Group B in the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup Asia third qualifying round at Goyang Sports Complex on the evening of the 20th, ending in a 1-1 draw.

Consequently, South Korea recorded 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws) and maintained its position at the top of Group B.

It is a disappointing result. Had South Korea secured 3 points in this match against Oman and won against Jordan on the 25th, it could have early confirmed its 11th consecutive World Cup qualification regardless of the matches against Iraq and Kuwait in June, but now must wait until the June A-match due to this game's result.

In this match, South Korea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jumin-kyu played at the forefront, with Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan in the attacking midfield. Baek Seung-ho and Park Yong-woo protected the back four, while Lee Tae-seok, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Yu-min, and Seol Young-woo formed the defensive line. The goalkeeper was Jo Hyun-woo.

Oman also employed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Isaam Al Sabhi aimed for a goal, supported by Abdul Al Musafri, Ali Al Busaidi, and Yamil Al Yahmadi in the attacking midfield. Abdulla Fawaz and Saeed Al Alawi filled the central midfield, while Al Roushiadi, Khalid Al Bruiki, Ahmed Al Kamishi, and Abdulla Al Harthi formed the back four. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Ibrahim Al Mukaini.

In the 41st minute of the first half, Hwang Hee-chan scored the opener with a calm shot after receiving a pass from Lee Kang-in, taking a 1-0 lead. However, in the 35th minute of the second half, they allowed an equalizer from Al Busaidi, leveling the match.

South Korea continued to seek goals until extra time in the second half, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw without additional goals. As a result of this game, even if South Korea wins against Jordan on the 25th, it cannot confirm its advancement to the finals until the June A-match schedule.

There were also injury setbacks during the match. Baek Seung-ho was substituted due to injury in the 38th minute of the first half, and in the 38th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in left the field in distress. South Korea utilized their substitution cards until the end of the second half in hopes of victory, but had to accept a disappointing result without a decisive goal.

After the match, Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) told reporters, "Overall, it was a disappointing result. I am extremely disappointed in myself and feel sorry for today."

Yet he noted, "This match is not the end. We have been striving for a long time and creating good situations. There is hardly any time to be disappointed. I hope this game serves as a turning point for growth."

Son Heung-min was asked about the referee's decision-making. He stated, "There are parts we can control as players and parts we cannot. I have no comment on the decisions. The referee with the whistle has the authority. I respect that. Of course, there were parts that were disappointing and unfair. It is an unchangeable situation. We must respect the referee's decision. Although it affected the game, it's a part we cannot control. We need to play cleaner games to avoid such situations."

In this match, Baek Seung-ho and Lee Kang-in fell due to injuries. In response, Son Heung-min commented, "Regardless of the match result, it pains me as a colleague and friend to see players getting injured. I don't know the outcome, but I hope it's not a serious injury. Overall, there is much to be disappointed about, including the players and the game results."

Son Heung-min noted, "Every final qualifier might seem easy, but the level of Asia has risen, making each match difficult. It is true that more preparation and study are needed. Such matches teach and provide lessons to us. Looking at it that way, both the previous final qualifiers and this one are heading in a positive direction. I hope we can use this positively and continue pushing forward."

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