News & TVMen's A
Korea Republic edge Lebanon to reach Final Round in style
13. Jun. 2021 16:49:34 5,260
Korea Republic came from behind to defeat Lebanon 2-1 at Goyang Stadium on Sunday, as they won the second round Group H in the Preliminary Joint Qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. With an almost immaculate record of five wins and a draw, scoring 22 goals and conceding just one, over the course of six matches (16 points), the Taegeuk Warriors have stormed into the final round of the Asian Qualifiers.
Paulo Bento’s side were dealt an early blow against the run of play, but managed to get back on track thanks to an own goal before captain Son Heungmin secured all three points from the spot.
Bento fielded a full-strength squad at his disposal in order to round off the second round in style, making only two changes to the side that had beaten Turkmenistan last week: Song Minkyu and Park Jisu were given another starts following their appearances against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Park replaced Kim Minjae, who had been ruled out due to suspension, whilst Song got the nod to start in place of Nam Taehee on the left flank.
Centre forward Hwang Uijo, who scored a brace against Turkmenistan, was flanked by Song and Kwon Changhoon; Son and Lee Jaesung in central midfield in front of defensive lynchpin Jung Wooyoung; Hong Chul, Kim Younggwon, Park and Kim Moonhwan at the back; Kim Seunggyu between the posts.
Despite taking control of the game from the outset, the hosts suffered an unexpected blow by the Lebanese, who needed to win to stand a chance to progress to the next round. Hassan Saad broke into the left side of the box before turning around to fire a low shot past Kim Seunggyu on 13 minutes. It was not only the first goal Korea Republic conceded in the Asian Qualifiers but the one that kept alive the Lebanese hopes of reaching the final round.
Korea Republic then struggled against a Lebanon side that sat back and stalled the play. Centre back Kim Younggwon urged his team-mates to play their game despite the negative approach from the opponents, but it was not easy to turn the match in their favour against the stubborn defence.
Nevertheless, captain Son was there to lead the fightback. His delicate chip from the left side of the goalmouth was cleared off the line by Maher Sabra, before Son saw his free-kick swerve just wide of the target on the stroke of half-time.
Bento rang a couple of changes during the interval, with Nam coming off the bench to replace Lee Jaesung. Son moved to the left flank, Nam and Kwon to central midfield, with Song switching to the right.
The equaliser finally came through a set-piece six minutes into the second half: Song glanced a header off a Son corner from the right, which was deflected by Sabra into his own net.
Substitute Nam also made a huge impact with flamboyant dribbles through the Lebanese rearguard, culminating in a slaloming run through the centre of the area that forced a crucial handball on 65 minutes. Son stepped up for the resulting penalty, which he converted with his right foot.
Bento used up two of the remaining substitutes to protect the 2-1 lead, bringing Hwang Heechan and Son Junho on for Song and Kwon respectively in the closing minutes, as Korea Republic held on for another victory.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023
Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 – Group H
Korea Republic 2-1 Lebanon
Scorers: Maher Sabra 51’ (o.g.), Son Heungmin 66’ (pen); Hassan Soony Saad 13’
KOR: Kim Seunggyu; Kim Moonhwan (Lee Yong 63’), Park Jisu (Won Dujae 67’), Kim Younggwon, Hong Chul; Song Minkyu (Hwang Heechan 83’), Jung Wooyoung, Kwon Changhoon (Son Junho 83’); Lee Jaesung (Nam Taehee 46’), Hwang Uijo, Son Heungmin
Final round beckons: Another 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka
Korea Republic in Group A with Iran, UAE, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon