Korea Republic got off to a sluggish start to their final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers campaign, with a goalless draw with Iraq in the Group A opener in Seoul on Thursday. The next opponents for the Taegeuk Warriors are Lebanon in Suwon next week.

Iraq, led by Dick Advocaat who once took charge of the Taegeuk Warriors at the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006, underwent a series of training camps in Spain and Turkey since the Dutchman took the reins earlier in August. In a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Advocaat promised that his charges would “make things difficult for Korea Republic,” and it proved to be the case for the hosts as the match got underway.

The visitors sat back on solid defending whilst searching for their opportunities from quick counters. The men in red, for their part, struggled to find a breakthrough against the stubborn Iraqi rearguard with Lee Jaesung and Hwang Inbeom pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

The first chance of note for the hosts arrived from a set piece, as Hong Chul crossed the ball into a crowded goalmouth following a corner from the left. Hwang Uijo’s glancing header from close range was initially blocked by a defender, before Lee Jaesung fired the loose ball well over the crossbar with only the keeper to beat.

Bento brought Nam Taehee on for Son Junho, as the coach rang a couple of changes during the interval. Hwang Inbeom switched to a defensive midfield role, with Nam deployed as a creative playmaker to break into the solid defence of the visitors.

Korea Republic piled up the pressure, launching a series of attacks on the left flank. Lee Jaesung’s low cross was only half-cleared by a Iraq defender and deflected into the path of Hwang Inbeom, who could only fire his effort well over the crossbar.

Second-half substitutes Hwang Heechan and Kwon Changhoon tried their luck as the battle wore on: Hwang’s glancing header off a Hong Chul cross went straight at  Fahad Talib, before Kwon connected Son Heungmin’s corner from the right with a header that swerved just wide of the target.

The hosts went all out on attack in the closing minutes, but the goal they desperately needed proved elusive as the Iraqis held on for a hard-fought stalemate.

AFC Asian Qualifiers Final Round for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Korea Republic 0-0 Iraq

KOR: Kim Seunggyu(GK); Kim Moonhwan (Lee Yong 58’), Kim Minjae, Kim Younggwon, Hong Chul; Hwang Inbeom, Son Junho (Nam Taehee 46’); Song Minkyu (Hwang Heechan 58’), Lee Jaesung (Kwon Changhoon 69’), Son Heungmin; Hwang Uijo