For Seol Young-woo (27, Red Star Belgrade), who has extensive K League experience, the condition of the grass in Korea was severe.

The South Korea national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo (56), will face Jordan on the 25th in the '2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian regional third qualifying round Group B match' at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

South Korea drew 1-1 against Oman on the 20th, failing to protect Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal. South Korea currently maintains a somewhat uneasy lead in Group B with 15 points (5 wins, 3 draws).

If South Korea had decisively defeated Oman and Jordan, they could have secured qualification for the World Cup early. However, the shock draw against Oman delayed their progression.

Injuries have also been frequent. Kim Min-jae has been replaced by Kim Joo-sung due to a serious hamstring injury from Bayern Munich. Hwang In-beom was selected as a starter but is not in good condition. Additionally, Jung Seung-hyun is unable to play against Oman due to a thigh injury.

Injuries keep piling up. Lee Kang-in and Baek Seung-ho have also been injured. During the first half of the match against Oman, Baek Seung-ho was substituted in the 38th minute due to a left hamstring injury. Lee Kang-in, who came on as a substitute, also suffered an ankle injury in the 34th minute of the second half.

Due to a left calf injury, the three players, including Jung Seung-hyun, were ultimately released from the squad on the 22nd. They will receive treatment domestically before returning to their respective teams.

The Hong Myung-bo squad conducted recovery and tactical training at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 22nd. Although they suffered a shocking draw against Oman, the atmosphere among the players was bright. With two home games in a row, they are determined to win against Jordan.

Seol Young-woo played the full time as the right fullback in the match against Oman. With key defender Kim Min-jae missing and Jung Seung-hyun injured, the defensive line has completely changed. Seol Young-woo, who has known head coach Hong Myung-bo since his Ulsan days, played an important role.

In an interview before training on the 22nd, Seol Young-woo noted, "It is true that the atmosphere of the team is not as good as when we win. That match is not the end. The players have rested well and gathered again. We are focusing on the next game and concentrating on it."

Seol Young-woo, who has successfully moved to Europe, has been active in the Serbian league, scoring multiple goals. He stated, "My team is performing significantly better than others. Since I am playing aggressively, I have been able to earn more points than when I played in the K League. It seems like when I shoot, it goes in well. I have no difficulties regardless of whether I play on the left or right."

For Seol Young-woo, who has played in the K League for a long time and has experience in Europe, the condition of the grass in Korea was shocking. He expressed, "(The grass) was tough. I am also a player who has not been away from the K League for long and have not played in Europe for long. After playing in Europe, the grass is really tough, and I was afraid of getting injured. It's hard to predict the irregular bounces when receiving the ball on the ground."

The shock draw against Oman has crushed South Korea's hopes of securing qualification at home. They must win against Jordan in this situation.

Seol Young-woo particularly needs to mark Jordan's ace, Al-Tamari. He said, "I faced him in the Asian Cup. He is a very good player, and I thought it was tough to mark him even then. I know him better now than I did at that time. All the players in the back four will be well prepared."

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