The South Korean national team failed to overcome Oman, who had experienced great difficulties.

Led by coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean football team drew 1-1 with Oman in the 7th match of Group B in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers at Goyang Sports Complex at 8 p.m. on the 20th.

As a result, Korea maintained its position at the top of Group B with 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws).

This result leaves a sense of regret. If Korea had secured 3 points in this match against Oman and won against Jordan on the 25th, it could have confirmed its qualification for the World Cup finals early, regardless of the matches against Iraq and Kuwait in June. However, due to this match result, Korea must wait until the June A matches.

In this match, Korea employed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jumin-kyu started at the forefront, and Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan formed 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 made up the defensive line. Jo Hyun-woo guarded the goal.

Oman also deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Issam Al Sabhi aimed for a goal, supported by Abdul Al Maseefri, Ali Al Busaidi, and Yamil Al Yahmadi in the attacking midfield. Abdullah Fawaz and Said Al Alawi filled the midfield, while Al Rushaidi, Khalid Al Braiki, Ahmed Al Kamishi, and Abdullah Al Harti formed the back four. Ibrahim Al Mukhaini wore the goalkeeper gloves.

In the 41st minute of the first half, Hwang Hee-chan scored the opening goal 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 score.

Korea continued to seek goals until the added time of the second half, but ultimately ended the match in a 1-1 draw without additional scoring. Due to this match result, even if Korea wins against Jordan on the 25th, it cannot secure qualification for 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 while being carried off due to pain. Korea utilized substitution cards in the late stages of the second half to seek victory, but had to accept a disappointing result without a decisive score.

On this day, Oman finished the first half after conceding the opening goal to Hwang Hee-chan. They concentrated five defenders and four midfielders in the center to push back Korea's attacking line. Later, as they needed a goal, they actively brought in substitutes with strong individual skills, eventually leading to the equalizer and securing 1 point.

After the match, coach Rashid Jabir noted at the press conference, "It is true we defended well. If our defense had not performed well in this match, there would not have been an equalizer. We tried to push players out of the box as much as possible. We were well-prepared defensively. When the chance came, we managed to score, which is what led to this result."

Oman is evaluated as a team objectively inferior to Korea. In addition, the factors of being an away game, having to adapt to the cold weather (the average winter temperature in Oman is 17°C), and coinciding with the Ramadan period contributed to their difficulties.

On the 19th, ahead of the match, Jabir exclaimed, "We will survive in the group stage," and added, "The weather in Korea is very cold. However, we must adapt. Ramadan is our culture. We need to adjust to football. Of course, it is difficult. The timing of meals is different during away games, and we have traveled for over 13 hours."

Could it have been overconfidence? Despite facing numerous challenges, Oman ultimately could not be defeated. Certainly, there are many excuses such as insufficient training time and the condition of the grass. However, this is not only a problem for Korea. Korea could not overcome the focused Oman.

[OSEN]