Iraq shows solid power after coach Casas takes office
With the departure of Hwang Hee-chan and Um Ji-seong, the roles of Lee Kang-in and Bae Jun-ho are important.
Hong Myung-boho will clash with Iraq for first place in Group B of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round. Hong Myung-bo’s spear, whose scoring power is revitalizing, must break through the shield of Iraq, which boasts ‘no goals’, but flank attacks hold the key.
Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the 4th game of Group B of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round against Iraq at Yongin Mir Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 15th.
This is a game that both Korea and Iraq cannot back down, as they are ranked 1st and 2nd in Group B with 2 wins and 1 draw (7 points). The winner of this game will be at the top of the group and can boost the atmosphere in the early stages.
The colors of the two teams were clearly revealed through this third preliminary round. Korea, with its sharp spears, launched a fierce attack, while Iraq secured its back door with strong shields.
Hong Myung-boho drew 0-0 with Palestine in the first game after departure, but later defeated Oman and Jordan 3-1 and 2-0, respectively, on enemy territory. It is positive that the goals were scored evenly rather than relying on just one player, and the scoring paths were diverse. Coach Hong Myung-bo also expressed satisfaction, saying that his performance is improving as the game progresses.
In particular, Son Heung-min (Tottenham), who scored 1 goal and 2 assists in the match against Oman, was omitted from the October international match list due to a thigh injury, but the Taegeuk Warriors won the match against Jordan by two goals. Although there was bad news in which Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Uhm Uhm-seong (Swansea) fell due to injuries in succession, the sharpness of the attack did not decline.
On the other hand, Iraq played extremely efficient soccer. They only scored two goals in three games in the third qualifying round, but they won two. This achievement was possible because the defense held firm and did not give up a single goal.
Levin Sulaka, Merchas Dosky, and Hussein Ali, who are active on the European stage, form the back four. Goalkeeper Jalal Hasan, who guards the goal, also made brilliant saves. Sulaka, who played for FC Seoul this season, missed the Palestine match due to suspension, but is expected to play in the Korea match.
Commentator Park Chan-ha said, “Iraq has the best team completeness in Group B. After coach Jesus Casas took office, the team was created with a clear direction. “They are solid overall and do not concede goals easily,” he said. “The key to this matchup is Korea’s offensive ability to break through Iraq’s defense.”
Although Iraq is playing solid soccer, it is not unassailable.
There were times when Iraq gave up threatening attacks to its opponents in the last three games of the third preliminary round. If the opponent’s goal-making ability was better, the trend could change. Considering that Korea’s scoring ability is reviving, it may be enough to open the scoring for Iraq.
The key is to open a path of escape with a flank attack. Korea took the lead by scoring the first goal against Oman and Jordan by attacking from the side. Even in the Iraq game, scoring chances can be created if players stir from the side and shake up the opponent’s defense. And if you score the first goal early, you can definitely dominate the game.
With Lee Kang-in playing as the steadfast right winger, coach Hong Myung-bo is worried about who to appoint as the left winger.
There are a total of three candidates to play as a left winger, including Lee Seung-woo and Moon Sun-min (Jeonbuk), who joined due to injuries to Hwang Hee-chan and Uhm Um-seong, and Bae Jun-ho (Stoke). Bae Jun-ho, who showed impressive performance by assisting an additional goal in the Jordan expedition, is expected to be highly likely to play as a starter.
If Bae Jun-ho and Lee Kang-in, who have excellent individual skills and creative play, can break down Iraq’s defense, Korea’s chances of winning could increase. Bae Jun-ho expressed confidence, saying, “I think we can create a synergy effect if (Lee) Kang-in stands on the side with his brother.”
(Seoul = News 1)
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