Although Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is missing, South Korea will win.
The football national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), will face Jordan in the '2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup Asian Zone Third Qualifiers Group B Round 8' on the 25th at 8 p.m. at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
South Korea drew 1-1 against Oman on the 20th after failing to maintain Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal. The team has recorded 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws) and is currently maintaining a somewhat precarious first place in Group B, just 3 points ahead of second-place Jordan.
Ahead of the match, the roster was announced. South Korea will rely on Son Heung-min for the attack with Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung, and Lee Dong-gyeong in the second line. Park Yong-woo and Hwang In-beom will coordinate both offense and defense, while the back four consists of Lee Tae-seok, Jo Yu-min, Kwon Kyung-won, and Seol Young-woo, with Jo Hyun-woo as the goalkeeper.
Before the match, the atmosphere outside Suwon World Cup Stadium is electric. The temperature is 11 degrees Celsius, but strong winds make it feel much colder. Nevertheless, football fans gathered in Suwon after work to see the national team.
The most popular players are certainly captain Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. The fans wearing their jerseys are the majority. The jerseys of both players are selling like hotcakes in front of the stadium. A staff member noted, "The people looking for Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in jerseys are the most numerous."
Many fans were having dinner at a restaurant in front of the stadium while cheering. Among them, I met Yoo Seung-ah, a fan of Lee Kang-in, and we chatted.
Yoo Seung-ah, who is a fan of Lee Kang-in, said, "I have pride in him being a representative player for Korea since he was young. I really like Lee Kang-in, and I got his autograph at Incheon International Airport," as she showed off her Lee Kang-in jersey.
Unfortunately, Lee Kang-in was injured in the match against Oman and was released from the squad. Yoo Seung-ah expressed, "I went to Goyang to watch the Oman match. I am upset because it seems like he got hurt because of the grass. He couldn't participate in such an important match. It is unfortunate, but I hope he receives good treatment."
Although Lee Kang-in is absent, other players are working harder. Lee Dong-gyeong is starting in place of Lee Kang-in. Yoo Seung-ah predicted, "I think South Korea will win 2-0. Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Jae-sung will each score a goal."
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