The cards for the midfield combination are unclear.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, faced Oman in the 7th match of Group B of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifiers at Goyang Sports Complex on the evening of the 20th, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This means that South Korea maintains the top position in Group B with 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws).

It is a disappointing result. If South Korea had secured 3 points in the match against Oman and had won against Jordan on the 25th, they could have confirmed their qualification for the World Cup finals early, regardless of the June matches against Iraq and Kuwait. However, due to this game's result, they now have to wait until the June A matches.

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

Oman also deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Issam Al Sabhi aimed to score, while Abdul Al Massifri, Ali Al Busaidi, and Yamil Al Yahmadi occupied the attacking second line. Abdullah Fawaz and Saeed Al Alawi filled the midfield, with Al Roshidi, Khalid Al Braiki, Ahmed Al Kamishi, and Abdullah Al Harithi forming the back four. The goalkeeper gloves were worn by Ibrahim Al Mukaini.

In the 41st minute of the first half, Hwang Hee-chan scored the opening goal with a calm shot from a pass by Lee Kang-in, taking a 1-0 lead. However, in the 35th minute of the second half, they allowed an equalizing goal by Al Busaidi, leveling the score.

South Korea continued to seek goals until stoppage time in the second half, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw without any additional goals. As a result of this match, even if South Korea wins against Jordan on the 25th, they will not be able to secure qualification for the finals before 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 pain. South Korea utilized substitution cards until the end of the second half in pursuit of victory but had to accept a disappointing result without a decisive goal.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo noted, "It was the worst performance in the final qualifiers. There were difficulties due to the new combination. It was challenging from the first half. Fortunately, we scored a goal in the first half, and the start of the second half was good. However, we tended to give up too easy balls to the opponent, making us feel like we were winning while not truly winning."

He added, "The line was gradually dropping, and despite not allowing many chances, we still conceded a goal. It's disappointing, but there are more matches left. There are injured players. We will see how to approach the next game."

Due to consecutive injuries, players who fell need to check their physical condition. Head coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "Lee Kang-in has an ankle injury. A more accurate assessment will require a visit to the hospital on the morning of the 21st. He trained for a day after arriving in Korea before participating in the match. Baek Seung-ho's injury meant that he had to play earlier than planned. Lee Kang-in has strengths and weaknesses in both attack and defense, so it was necessary to bring him in during a struggling attack. He actually created opportunities. That part of his play was positive. However, we need to monitor the injuries further."

The absence of Kim Min-jae and the poor condition of Hwang In-beom led to unsatisfactory results. Head coach Hong Myung-bo remarked, "If it had been forced, Hwang In-beom could have played. However, I thought it was necessary to protect the players in the first game. I will consider the situation for the second match. When a player who has been a core part of the team is absent, it can lead to instability. I did not feel that the defense was 'unstable or problematic.' I believe defenders like Kwon Kyung-won, Cho Yu-min, and Lee Tae-seok did not have major organizational issues."

As a result, the composition of the national team's midfield has fallen back into uncertainty. Currently, the only players who are not injured and were in the starting lineup that day are Park Yong-woo and Won Du-jae. Baek Seung-ho appears to have a hamstring injury, while Lee Kang-in's injury is suspected to be a sprain in the ankle area.

Both players need to receive evaluations at the hospital, but their participation in the upcoming match against Jordan is uncertain. Even if Hwang In-beom returns, it is highly unlikely he will be able to play the full game with his current condition. Overall, difficulties in constructing the midfield of the national team are anticipated.

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