Hwang Sun-hong drawn against Thailand, will he get better if he waits? [sports]
A day earlier, there was a sense of disappointment in the air at Sangambeol (the nickname for the Seoul World Cup stadium).
Relief that the infighting that has rocked Korean soccer is over, but a question mark remains over our competitiveness.
The national team, led by interim coach Hwang Sun-hong (56), drew 1-1 with Thailand in the third match of Group C of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Nov. 21. South Korea had to settle for seven points (2 wins, 1 draw) after drawing with Thailand (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), who were favored to win. In the other Group C match, China (W1 D1 L1) and Singapore (L2 D1) drew 2-2 to keep them within 메이저 토토사이트 three points of second place.
It was the result that was more concerning. South Korea's performance was limited against Thailand (101st), who are ranked a whopping 79 spots lower than South Korea (22nd) in the FIFA rankings.
South Korea's numbers on the day were nothing short of spectacular. With a high ball possession of 78%, the Koreans racked up 26 shots on goal (8 on target). This compared to Thailand's opponent, who had just six shots (two on target) on 22% possession. In terms of expected goals (xG), a measure of scoring chances, Korea had 3 and Thailand had 1.1.
South Korea's inability to overwhelm their opponents in terms of numbers suggests that both their tactics and players were not at their best.
They failed to capitalize on their one-sided offense. Bold central penetrations led to pointless flanking attacks as the opposition counterattacked.
According to sports statistics company Opta, South Korea attempted 39 crosses against Thailand on the day, but the only one that resulted in a goal was Son Heung-min's (Tottenham) 42nd-minute opener. Otherwise, the crosses were either intercepted before they reached the opponent's goal, or they failed to win aerial battles with the opposing defense (Korea's success rate was 46%). When they did create scoring chances, they failed to capitalize. It's hard to sigh when you only score one goal in three chances.
Of course, there was a time limit. Hwang had only two days to work with his players. When it came to the specifics of how to attack the opposing defense, he had to rely on what the players were familiar with. The fact that Son Heung-min's goal came after a clever play by Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), with whom he has a good rapport, is a testament to that. In fact, after Lee was substituted, South Korea's attack became more monotonous, which was frustrating.
Where Korea needs more time is in the backline. The new midfield combination of Hwang In-Beom (Zvezda) and Baek Seung-Ho (Birmingham City), two highly skilled midfielders, is still unfamiliar with each other and mistakes were made.
Hwang In-beom lost the ball 24 times in the match, the most on the team. While it's understandable that Hwang was involved in so many plays (157 passes - 12 possessions), it's also true that every time he lost the ball, our flow was disrupted or put in danger. Hwang In-beom and Baek Seung-ho need to complement each other and regain their stability. This is something we need to improve on in the fourth match on the 26th, when we move to Bangkok, Thailand.
Hwang knows this better than anyone, and he is struggling to come up with a plan. "It could be excused that we had a short time, but overall, we didn't feel stable. There are parts of the game where the balance is very tense, but we will prepare for the away game so that we can play a normal game," he promised.
Relief that the infighting that has rocked Korean soccer is over, but a question mark remains over our competitiveness.
The national team, led by interim coach Hwang Sun-hong (56), drew 1-1 with Thailand in the third match of Group C of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Nov. 21. South Korea had to settle for seven points (2 wins, 1 draw) after drawing with Thailand (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), who were favored to win. In the other Group C match, China (W1 D1 L1) and Singapore (L2 D1) drew 2-2 to keep them within 메이저 토토사이트 three points of second place.
It was the result that was more concerning. South Korea's performance was limited against Thailand (101st), who are ranked a whopping 79 spots lower than South Korea (22nd) in the FIFA rankings.
South Korea's numbers on the day were nothing short of spectacular. With a high ball possession of 78%, the Koreans racked up 26 shots on goal (8 on target). This compared to Thailand's opponent, who had just six shots (two on target) on 22% possession. In terms of expected goals (xG), a measure of scoring chances, Korea had 3 and Thailand had 1.1.
South Korea's inability to overwhelm their opponents in terms of numbers suggests that both their tactics and players were not at their best.
They failed to capitalize on their one-sided offense. Bold central penetrations led to pointless flanking attacks as the opposition counterattacked.
According to sports statistics company Opta, South Korea attempted 39 crosses against Thailand on the day, but the only one that resulted in a goal was Son Heung-min's (Tottenham) 42nd-minute opener. Otherwise, the crosses were either intercepted before they reached the opponent's goal, or they failed to win aerial battles with the opposing defense (Korea's success rate was 46%). When they did create scoring chances, they failed to capitalize. It's hard to sigh when you only score one goal in three chances.
Of course, there was a time limit. Hwang had only two days to work with his players. When it came to the specifics of how to attack the opposing defense, he had to rely on what the players were familiar with. The fact that Son Heung-min's goal came after a clever play by Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), with whom he has a good rapport, is a testament to that. In fact, after Lee was substituted, South Korea's attack became more monotonous, which was frustrating.
Where Korea needs more time is in the backline. The new midfield combination of Hwang In-Beom (Zvezda) and Baek Seung-Ho (Birmingham City), two highly skilled midfielders, is still unfamiliar with each other and mistakes were made.
Hwang In-beom lost the ball 24 times in the match, the most on the team. While it's understandable that Hwang was involved in so many plays (157 passes - 12 possessions), it's also true that every time he lost the ball, our flow was disrupted or put in danger. Hwang In-beom and Baek Seung-ho need to complement each other and regain their stability. This is something we need to improve on in the fourth match on the 26th, when we move to Bangkok, Thailand.
Hwang knows this better than anyone, and he is struggling to come up with a plan. "It could be excused that we had a short time, but overall, we didn't feel stable. There are parts of the game where the balance is very tense, but we will prepare for the away game so that we can play a normal game," he promised.
North Korea's soccer 'snafu' disrupts World Cup second qualifier...North Korea-Japan fourth game postponed [news]
North Korea's soccer 'gambit' worked. North Korea's fourth match against Japan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asia Pacific Second Qualifying Round in Pyongyang, North Korea, has been postponed after the country said it would not be able to host a home match.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its official website on Feb. 22 that the fourth match between North Korea and Japan in Group B of the 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Pacific Second Qualifying Round has been postponed.
The match was originally scheduled to take place on June 26 in Pyongyang, 스포츠토토사이트 North Korea.
However, North Korea notified the AFC on Feb. 20 that it would not be able to host the match, throwing the entire Asian soccer world into turmoil. North Korea even informed Japan, its opponent in the fourth leg, during halftime of the third leg (a 0-1 loss).
The North Koreans were reportedly wary of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has been on the rise in Japan.
Earlier in the day, AFC Secretary General Tato Windsor John said that the fourth leg would be held as scheduled in a neutral location with no cancellation or postponement. However, with just four days to go before the match, it was not practical to rearrange the venue.
In the end, the AFC announced the postponement of Game 4 and said it would refer the matter to FIFA, which would provide an update in due course.
Now that the AFC has handed the matter over to FIFA, the possibility of a forfeit or disciplinary action against North Korea is open, in addition to playing the next match during the A-Match.
North Korea is currently third in Group C with one win and two losses after three matches, behind Japan (three wins) and Syria (one win, one draw). North Korea will need to beat Syria to secure at least second place in the group to advance to the final round. North Korea is scheduled to play Syria at home in June during the A-match, but it's unclear how they'll play that game.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its official website on Feb. 22 that the fourth match between North Korea and Japan in Group B of the 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Pacific Second Qualifying Round has been postponed.
The match was originally scheduled to take place on June 26 in Pyongyang, 스포츠토토사이트 North Korea.
However, North Korea notified the AFC on Feb. 20 that it would not be able to host the match, throwing the entire Asian soccer world into turmoil. North Korea even informed Japan, its opponent in the fourth leg, during halftime of the third leg (a 0-1 loss).
The North Koreans were reportedly wary of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has been on the rise in Japan.
Earlier in the day, AFC Secretary General Tato Windsor John said that the fourth leg would be held as scheduled in a neutral location with no cancellation or postponement. However, with just four days to go before the match, it was not practical to rearrange the venue.
In the end, the AFC announced the postponement of Game 4 and said it would refer the matter to FIFA, which would provide an update in due course.
Now that the AFC has handed the matter over to FIFA, the possibility of a forfeit or disciplinary action against North Korea is open, in addition to playing the next match during the A-Match.
North Korea is currently third in Group C with one win and two losses after three matches, behind Japan (three wins) and Syria (one win, one draw). North Korea will need to beat Syria to secure at least second place in the group to advance to the final round. North Korea is scheduled to play Syria at home in June during the A-match, but it's unclear how they'll play that game.
Jungwon University's Park Sang-hyuk, Kwandong University's Kim Hee-gun, and other top 20 players to compete in the Asian University Football Championship (AUC), will travel to Malaysia in June [sports]
The top collegiate players in the country are set to compete in Asia.
Kookmin University head coach Lee Sung-hwan, who has been appointed to lead Korea's college soccer team at the Asian University Games, announced the 20-man roster for the 2024 Asian Football Championship in Malaysia in June.
Lee selected the best players in each age group, ranging from juniors to sophomores, who performed well at the Spring Intercollegiate Football Federation Championship in Tongyeong in February, excluding players who will compete in the 카지노 Denso Cup to avoid duplication.
The list includes Jungwon University defender Park Sang-hyuk, who led unheralded Jungwon University to a surprise final appearance in the 2022 Spring Intercollegiate Federation Championship, and Kwandong University midfielder Kim Hee-gun.
Forwards Jeon Seung-min (Sinsung University) and Jang In-ho (Inje University) Midfielders Ahn Tae-wook (Kangseo University), Park Si-eon (Dongguk University), Seo Yoo-min (Howon University), Shim Yoon-ki (Halla University), Lee Joon-hyuk (Myeongji University), Kim Young-jae (Konkuk University), Son Seung-min (Jeonju National University), and Jung Si-woo (Daejeon National University) Defenders Forwards Shin Sewon (Hanyang University), Lee Ho-joon (Calvin College), Kim Jung-woo (Kyungil University), Yang Sung-seop (Wonkwang University), Kwon Min-seong (Hanil Jangshin University), Park Ji-yong (Woosuk University), Kim Tae-min (Cheongju University), and goalkeeper Park Jong-gun (Gwangju University) will work together to win the title for South Korea. Jeon Seung-min is the only 'youngest' participant at the tournament, as he is a sophomore.
The coaching staff will be led by Lee, with Kang Tae-seong of Ho Won University as head coach, Park Hyung-yong of Sangji University as assistant coach, and Park Jong-hyuk of Wooseok University as goalkeeping coach. Jung Sung-guk, vice president of the Korea University Football Association, will be the head coach, while Hwang Sun-hyuk, acting president of the federation, will be the manager.
The national team will have a week-long warm-up in Taebaek, Gangwon-do, on May 24 before heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the final match.
The Asian Football Confederation, which was founded in 2015 to revitalize college soccer in Asia, will bring together teams from seven Asian countries - Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand - to compete in Malaysia this year.
Kookmin University head coach Lee Sung-hwan, who has been appointed to lead Korea's college soccer team at the Asian University Games, announced the 20-man roster for the 2024 Asian Football Championship in Malaysia in June.
Lee selected the best players in each age group, ranging from juniors to sophomores, who performed well at the Spring Intercollegiate Football Federation Championship in Tongyeong in February, excluding players who will compete in the 카지노 Denso Cup to avoid duplication.
The list includes Jungwon University defender Park Sang-hyuk, who led unheralded Jungwon University to a surprise final appearance in the 2022 Spring Intercollegiate Federation Championship, and Kwandong University midfielder Kim Hee-gun.
Forwards Jeon Seung-min (Sinsung University) and Jang In-ho (Inje University) Midfielders Ahn Tae-wook (Kangseo University), Park Si-eon (Dongguk University), Seo Yoo-min (Howon University), Shim Yoon-ki (Halla University), Lee Joon-hyuk (Myeongji University), Kim Young-jae (Konkuk University), Son Seung-min (Jeonju National University), and Jung Si-woo (Daejeon National University) Defenders Forwards Shin Sewon (Hanyang University), Lee Ho-joon (Calvin College), Kim Jung-woo (Kyungil University), Yang Sung-seop (Wonkwang University), Kwon Min-seong (Hanil Jangshin University), Park Ji-yong (Woosuk University), Kim Tae-min (Cheongju University), and goalkeeper Park Jong-gun (Gwangju University) will work together to win the title for South Korea. Jeon Seung-min is the only 'youngest' participant at the tournament, as he is a sophomore.
The coaching staff will be led by Lee, with Kang Tae-seong of Ho Won University as head coach, Park Hyung-yong of Sangji University as assistant coach, and Park Jong-hyuk of Wooseok University as goalkeeping coach. Jung Sung-guk, vice president of the Korea University Football Association, will be the head coach, while Hwang Sun-hyuk, acting president of the federation, will be the manager.
The national team will have a week-long warm-up in Taebaek, Gangwon-do, on May 24 before heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the final match.
The Asian Football Confederation, which was founded in 2015 to revitalize college soccer in Asia, will bring together teams from seven Asian countries - Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand - to compete in Malaysia this year.
North Korea-Japan World Cup qualifier won't take place as scheduled due to sudden notice from North Korea [sports]
The fourth Group B match between North Korea and Japan at the 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Pacific Second Qualifying Round in Pyongyang will not take place after all, following a surprise announcement from North Korea that the match will not be held.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its website on Feb. 22 that "the North Korea-Japan 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round match scheduled for Feb. 26 will not be held as scheduled due to unforeseen reasons."
The match was originally scheduled to take place at the 홀덤 Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
North Korea informed the AFC on Feb. 20 that it would be difficult to host the match in Pyongyang and that it would have to be moved to a neutral location.
AFC general secretary Dato' Windsor John said on the day that a neutral location would be preferable, but the move was ultimately unavoidable.
"Following notification from North Korea, the decision was taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders," the AFC said, "The matter will be referred to the relevant FIFA committees and we will provide further updates in due course."
North Korea had previously said it was unable to host the tournament in Pyongyang, without giving a specific reason.
Japanese media have speculated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure due to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has been on the rise in Japan.
Last month, the first leg of the women's soccer Asian final qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics between North Korea and Japan was also held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, instead of Pyongyang.
Meanwhile, in the third match of the second qualifying round between North Korea and Japan in Tokyo, Japan won 1-0 to lead Group B with three points (9). North Korea remains in third place with one win and two losses (3 points).
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its website on Feb. 22 that "the North Korea-Japan 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round match scheduled for Feb. 26 will not be held as scheduled due to unforeseen reasons."
The match was originally scheduled to take place at the 홀덤 Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
North Korea informed the AFC on Feb. 20 that it would be difficult to host the match in Pyongyang and that it would have to be moved to a neutral location.
AFC general secretary Dato' Windsor John said on the day that a neutral location would be preferable, but the move was ultimately unavoidable.
"Following notification from North Korea, the decision was taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders," the AFC said, "The matter will be referred to the relevant FIFA committees and we will provide further updates in due course."
North Korea had previously said it was unable to host the tournament in Pyongyang, without giving a specific reason.
Japanese media have speculated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure due to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has been on the rise in Japan.
Last month, the first leg of the women's soccer Asian final qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics between North Korea and Japan was also held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, instead of Pyongyang.
Meanwhile, in the third match of the second qualifying round between North Korea and Japan in Tokyo, Japan won 1-0 to lead Group B with three points (9). North Korea remains in third place with one win and two losses (3 points).
Shaky performance even for the 'first team' ‥ Thailand draws with Korea [sports]
The national soccer team drew with Thailand in their first game since the Asian Cup infighting.
It was a highly anticipated game that set a new tone for the team, but the performance left much to be desired.
The first A-match after the Asian Cup infighting incident was not the cacophony feared.
The 60,000 fans who filled the stadium cheered for Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in...
"Lee Kang-in! Lee Kang-in!"
The two players also created several threatening moments on the field.
Son Heung-min, who had encouraged Lee Kang-in separately during the match, 먹튀검증 emphasized the unity of the team once again after the game.
[Son Heung-min/South Korea National Football Team captain]
"I feel that the chemistry (with Lee Kang-in) is getting better and better, and I really enjoy playing with him, and I hope he can do better in the future."
But the sub-par performance was no different from the Asian Cup.
The transition from defense to offense was shaky, and they couldn't even protect Son Heung-min's 42nd-minute opener to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Despite having 79% possession and 25 shots on goal, the team's finishing was still lacking, and their defensive concentration was noticeably lacking.
Coach Hwang Sun-hong admitted that the short preparation period was to blame for the lackluster performance.
[Hwang Sun-hong, head coach of the national soccer team]
"I thought it should be the first step to find a sense of stability and be able to run the game normally..."
Still, Son Heung-min, who had considered retiring from the national team, did not give up hope.
[Son Heung-min/ National Football Team Captain]
"As long as the national team needs me, I will stick my head in like (Kim) Min-jae said, and I want to say thank you to the players for showing me that everyone is trying to be one."
With the promise of striker Kim Min-kyu in the starting lineup right out of the gate, the team plans to leave the country today and begin preparations for their second World Cup qualifier away to Thailand on June 26th.
It was a highly anticipated game that set a new tone for the team, but the performance left much to be desired.
The first A-match after the Asian Cup infighting incident was not the cacophony feared.
The 60,000 fans who filled the stadium cheered for Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in...
"Lee Kang-in! Lee Kang-in!"
The two players also created several threatening moments on the field.
Son Heung-min, who had encouraged Lee Kang-in separately during the match, 먹튀검증 emphasized the unity of the team once again after the game.
[Son Heung-min/South Korea National Football Team captain]
"I feel that the chemistry (with Lee Kang-in) is getting better and better, and I really enjoy playing with him, and I hope he can do better in the future."
But the sub-par performance was no different from the Asian Cup.
The transition from defense to offense was shaky, and they couldn't even protect Son Heung-min's 42nd-minute opener to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Despite having 79% possession and 25 shots on goal, the team's finishing was still lacking, and their defensive concentration was noticeably lacking.
Coach Hwang Sun-hong admitted that the short preparation period was to blame for the lackluster performance.
[Hwang Sun-hong, head coach of the national soccer team]
"I thought it should be the first step to find a sense of stability and be able to run the game normally..."
Still, Son Heung-min, who had considered retiring from the national team, did not give up hope.
[Son Heung-min/ National Football Team Captain]
"As long as the national team needs me, I will stick my head in like (Kim) Min-jae said, and I want to say thank you to the players for showing me that everyone is trying to be one."
With the promise of striker Kim Min-kyu in the starting lineup right out of the gate, the team plans to leave the country today and begin preparations for their second World Cup qualifier away to Thailand on June 26th.
