Overcoming the “sandstorm” within the Center East… In October, the “two wars” between Jordan and Iraq reached a vital level

2024-06-29 08:21:36

Son Heung-min: “This could’t be true”

The South Korean nationwide group, which is striving to qualify for the eleventh consecutive World Cup finals, had a comparatively straightforward efficiency within the group stage of the “2026 CONCACAF World Cup Asia Zone Third Qualifier” and two collection in opposition to Jordan. Iraq in October is predicted to be a key second.

On the twenty seventh, the draw outcomes for the third spherical of the CONCACAF World Cup Asian qualifiers had been introduced on the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. South Korea was divided into teams with Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait. B.

The final consensus is that that is a straightforward group, avoiding powerful opponents similar to Australia, North Korea and Indonesia, led by coach Shin Tae-yong.

Within the FIFA rankings, South Korea ranked twenty second, the very best among the many six international locations in Group B. As well as, Iraq (fifty fifth), Jordan (68th), Oman (76th), Palestine (ninety fifth) and Kuwait (137th) ranked first.

“I feel that is the primary time we aren’t blended with sturdy groups similar to Australia, Japan or Saudi Arabia within the third spherical of qualifiers,” stated soccer commentator Park Moon-sung. He added, “It is the identical even in case you take a look at Group A or Group C, it may be stated to be simpler.”

However you possibly can’t let your guard down. Apart from the South Korean group, the 5 groups are all Center Jap groups, in order that they have to beat the “sandstorm”.

The opponent that deserves essentially the most consideration is Jordan, which misplaced within the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup earlier this 12 months. At the moment, the South Korean group met Jordan twice, tied 2-2 within the group stage and misplaced 0-2 within the semi-finals, profitable the championship for the primary time in 64 years.

Because of this defeat, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked and Korean soccer is at the moment unable to discover a new head coach.

Iraq can be in a tough scenario. This group defeated the “champion candidate” Japan group 2-1 within the group stage of the final Asian Cup. Though they misplaced to Jordan 2-3 within the spherical of 16, their offense and protection group was extra strong than that of the then runner-up Jordan group.

Chairman Park stated: “Objectively we’re stronger than Jordan and Iraq, however they’re the groups that carried out nicely within the current Asian Cup. Jordan defeated South Korea and Iraq defeated Japan.”

Commentator Han Junxi additionally predicted, “Though it appears to be like straightforward, Jordan and Iraq are each groups which have created their very own golden technology,” including, “Each are on the rise not too long ago, and that can not be ignored.”

Lengthy-distance journey and the Center Jap groups’ distinctive “mattress soccer” are variables that South Korea should be cautious of.

All 5 international locations are within the Center East, however there are not any direct flights, so journey of greater than 12 hours is inevitable. If the schedule includes touring between dwelling and away video games or away and residential video games, it’s anticipated that it will likely be tough to regulate to the time distinction.

Chairman Park stated, “We’d like to consider how one can relieve fatigue brought on by long-distance journey,” whereas commentator Track Younger-joo reminded, “It’s certainly a bonus in comparison with different teams, however it isn’t straightforward to build up factors.” Center East Expedition . “

Mattress soccer includes numerous protection and disrupts the rhythm of the sport, which can be a subject worthy of vigilance. In Group C, South Korea is listed because the strongest group, so the remaining 5 Center Jap international locations are more likely to play a defensive sport. As well as, when there’s a tie or lead, you possibly can normally lie on the bottom.

“We should be cautious of the distinctive sleeper soccer tradition within the Center East. If we rating poorly or concede the primary aim, there’s a danger that we are going to be caught up by their tempo or sleeper soccer,” Chairman Park stated.

The ultimate essential second within the third qualifying spherical was chosen for October, when the group will journey to Jordan and take Iraq dwelling.

Chairman Park stated, “From the angle of the schedule, October appears to be essential. Jordan and Iraq are more likely to compete with South Korea for the highest spot within the group, and principally, when it’s important to go, there’s a lengthy strategy to go. Going to the Center East after which coming to South Korea, it is usually tough for home gamers,” he defined.

He added, “November is definitely higher, with two consecutive away video games in opposition to Kuwait and Palestine. Since we play two consecutive video games within the Center East, the journey is shorter, which is conducive to state administration.”

Within the third spherical of the World Cup Asian qualifiers, 18 international locations are divided into three teams, with six groups in every group. They are going to play 10 dwelling and away video games every. The six groups ranked first and second in every group will get direct tickets to the World Cup finals.

The six groups ranked third and fourth in every group should take part within the Asian and intercontinental play-offs to compete for the remaining tickets.

The entire variety of tickets allotted to the Asian continent for the North and Central American World Cup finals is 8.5. Because the variety of collaborating international locations will increase from 32 to 48, the variety of Asian semi-finals additionally will increase.

South Korea will start its third qualifying spherical in opposition to Palestine at dwelling on September 5.

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