In a thrilling match at Goyang Stadium, South Korea managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Oman in the seventh Group B match of the Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup. This important win comes as South Korea looks to strengthen its position in the race for World Cup qualification.
The match, which commenced at 8 p.m. on March 20, 2025, saw South Korea employing a 4-2-3-1 formation. Joo Min-gyu took the striker position, flanked by wingers Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan, who were tasked with delivering offensive pressure. In midfield, Baek Seung-ho and Park Yong-woo held the fort, while defenders Lee Tae-seok and Seol Young-woo covered the flanks. The central defense was manned by Kwon Kyung-won and Cho Yoo-min, with Cho Hyun-woo in goal.
From the outset, South Korea aimed to exploit any opportunities presented by Oman. Hwang Hee-chan was particularly dynamic, making an impressive run in the 14th minute where he managed to evade two defenders near Oman’s penalty box. However, his shot was blocked just before he could score, demonstrating the tight defensive structure deployed by the Omani side.
As the first half progressed, South Korea struggled to find precision in their finishing passes, and despite frequent attempts to maneuver through Oman's well-structured defense, the team faced continuous challenges. The 35th minute marked a key moment as players on the bench began warming up, suggesting potential tactical shifts.
Lee Kang-in, previously sidelined due to a slight physical concern related to Baek Seung-ho, made a decisive entry into the field in the 38th minute. His substitution was critical, as it not only reinvigorated the team’s attack but also offered fresh legs at a crucial juncture in the match.
Moments after stepping onto the pitch, Lee Kang-in delivered a remarkable pass at the 41st minute that turned the tide for South Korea. The ball that left his foot found Hwang Hee-chan, who had effectively navigated into the defensive blind spot of the Omani defenders. With a sleek touch, Hwang Hee-chan scored, giving South Korea the lead and marking their first goal of the evening. This sequence underlined Lee's playmaking skills and bolstered South Korea's position as they concluded the first half with a 1-0 lead.
The atmosphere in Goyang Stadium was electric after the goal, with fans erupting in cheers as they recognized the significance of the score not just for the current match, but for South Korea’s World Cup qualifying campaign as a whole. The success of Hwang Hee-chan’s finish emphasized the importance of seizing scoring chances, which had been a struggle throughout the first half.
As the second half draws near, the South Korean team will be focused on maintaining their defensive organization while looking to increase their goal tally. The early entry of Lee Kang-in is seen as a tactical advantage that could lead to further offensive opportunities. For Oman, they must regroup and devise a strategy to overcome their deficit, drawing on their strengths to respond effectively.
This victory, albeit narrow, adds crucial points to South Korea’s campaign and solidifies their hopes of advancing towards the World Cup. Every match plays an integral role in the journey, and players like Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in might just be the key to unlocking further success in the coming fixtures. As the qualifying rounds proceed, the focus now shifts entirely toward consistency, adaptation, and putting the pressure on following opponents.
For now, all eyes will be on the next clash as South Korea aims high and fights for a coveted spot in the World Cup.
