"The grass was coming up, and it was hard when exercising. Still, I don't want to talk about that."

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), faced Oman in the 7th match of Group B of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the evening of the 20th at Goyang Sports Complex and ended up with a 1-1 draw.

With this result, South Korea maintains its position at the top of Group B with 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws).

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

In this match, South Korea used a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jumin Kyu was positioned at the forefront, while Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan formed the attacking 2nd line. 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 employed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Issam Al Sabhi aimed for a goal, with Abdul Al Messifri, Ali Al Busaidi, and Yamil Al Yahmadi positioned in the attacking 2nd line. Abdullah Fawaz and Said Al Alawi filled the midfield, while Al Rushidi, Khalid Al Braiki, Ahmed Al Kamisi, and Abdullah Al Harthi formed the back four. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.

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 to Al Busaidi, leveling the score.

South Korea continued to seek goals until the end of added time in the second half, but ultimately 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 are in a situation where they cannot confirm their qualification for the finals until the A match schedule in June.

There were also injury setbacks during the match. Baek Seung-ho was substituted due to an injury in the 38th minute of the first half, and in the 38th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in complained of pain and had to be carried off. South Korea utilized substitution cards until the end of the second half to seek victory, but had to accept a disappointing result without a decisive goal.

After the match, Baek Seung-ho met with reporters and explained his injury status, saying, "I felt something in my hamstring. I felt it slightly in the middle of the first half. Still, I thought I could keep playing because there didn't seem to be a significant problem in running or passing. But as I kept running, I felt it getting worse. So, I had to be substituted."

Is it possible to play in the next match? Baek Seung-ho (28, Birmingham) said, "I think I need to go to the hospital tomorrow to check. It's hard to say for sure."

He said, "The opponent was safe by dropping back with a five-back formation and prepared many counterattacks. I don't think there are any easy matches, and there were parts where our preparation didn't come out smoothly. I think we need to analyze what we did well so that it shows in the next match, and reflect on the parts we lacked and prepare accordingly."

What was the condition of the grass at Goyang Sports Complex? Baek Seung-ho explained, "I don't know if you saw it, but the grass was coming up when the center sank, and it was hard when exercising. I heard it's the best stadium in Korea. It sounds like an excuse, and it's disappointing in many ways. I don't want to talk about that. If managed well, the players can show good performance. It can also prevent injuries. I was a bit disappointed in that regard."

He added, "I began to feel some strain in my muscles. As for the cause, it's hard to say it's the grass... I don't know."

Following Baek Seung-ho's injury, Lee Kang-in also collapsed due to injury, and with Hwang In-beom not in good condition, the national team is in an emergency situation. In response, Baek Seung-ho stated, "I believe all the players who came to the national team are composed of those who can fill in whatever position is missing. I think the players are well-prepared and can do well."

[OSEN]