Director Casas “Tactical Change? Lee Jae-sung did a good job stopping L.”

The 4th Group B match between South Korea and Iraq took place at the Yongin Mir Stadium in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North China World Cup. Iraqi coach Jesus Casas watches the game. Yongin = Reporter Park Jae-man [email protected] /2024.10.15/

“Tactical change? I’m trying to stop Lee Kang-in.”

It was explained by Iraqi coach Jesus Casas. South Korea defeated Iraq 3-2 on the 15th at 8 p.m. with consecutive goals from Oh Se-hoon (Machida), Oh Hyun-kyu (Henk) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) in the fourth game of the North's 2026 Group B -Qualifying round for the China World Cup Asia at the Yongin Mir Stadium in Gyeonggi Province. Coach Hong, who suffered a 0-0 draw in his debut game and in the first home game against Palestine, achieved his first home win since taking office with a win. Hong Myung-bo's win in consecutive games against Jordan and Iraq in what was seen as the biggest turning point in the third qualifying round paved the way for his 11th consecutive World Cup finals. South Korea led Group B with 10 points (3 wins and 1 draw).

South Korea was in Group B along with Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Oman and Kuwait. In the third qualifying round, 18 teams will be divided into three groups of six teams each and will play a full league home and away. A total of six teams in first and second place in each group will win tickets to the World Cup finals. Third and fourth places go to the fourth preliminary round.

South Korea created a good chance right from the start with their flexible game. In particular, Bae Joon-ho, who started, flashed. In the 40th minute of the first half, Bae Joon-ho scored in an instant. The opening goal came in the 40th minute. Hwang In-beom sent a great overlapping pass to Seol Young-woo. Seol Young-woo's ground ball cross flowed backwards. Bae Joon-ho caught and punched the pass with his right foot, and Oh Se-hoon finished with his left foot. It was Oh Se-hoon's first A-match goal in four games. Bae Joon-ho has helped two games in a row after the last game against Jordan.

The 4th Group B match between South Korea and Iraq took place at the Yongin Mir Stadium in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North China World Cup. Iraqi coach Jesus Casas watches the game. Yongin = Reporter Park Jae-man [email protected] /2024.10.15/

South Korea equalized just five minutes into the second half. Ali Jasim rocked the South Korean defense with his brilliant footwork from outside the box on the right. He then pushed the ball to substitute Azad Artwan. Artwan, who had no chance, sent a cross and “Jupo” Hussein rocked the Korean goal with a magnificent overhead kick.

In an anxious moment, director Hong's mercenary skills shined. Substitutes Moon Sun-min (Jeonbuk) and Oh Hyun-kyu scored goals. In the 29th minute, Moon Sun-min broke through from the left. When the cross was blocked by the defense, Lee Jae-sung jumped in and sent the ball into the middle again. Oh Hyun-kyu scored with a wonderful left-footed shot. Oh Hyun-kyu scored two goals in a row after the last game against Jordan, establishing himself as a solid wild card for the national team. The national team scored the decisive goal in the 37th minute. Lee Myung-jae broke completely down the left and delivered a fantastic cross. Lee Jae-sung jumped in and finished with a great header. Lee Jae-sung also scored two goals in a row after the game against Jordan.

South Korea allowed a goal in extra time but secured a 3-2 win. Iraq performed well in enemy territory, but their tried-and-tested defense collapsed and conceded three goals. In a post-match press conference, Casas said: “We played well. The good players in Korea decide? We did that. We made a few mistakes, but it didn't bring any positive results. Korea was well organized. Even with a 3. -1 lead, he put in an active performance. Nevertheless, I am proud of our players for their good performances. As for the tactical change: “We prepared two left-backs. They should prevent Lee Kang-in. The most dangerous and controlling in Korea. He tried to stop Lee Kang-in. He said: “I didn't create more.” Offensively, I had chances, but I tried to stop Lee Kang-in from the side.

The 4th Group B match between South Korea and Iraq took place at the Yongin Mir Stadium in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North China World Cup. Iraqi coach Jesus Casas watches the game. Yongin = Reporter Park Jae-man [email protected] /2024.10.15/

-The overall rating is.

▶I had a good game. The quality players in Korea decide? We did it. We made a few mistakes, but it didn't bring any positive results. Korea was well organized. Even with a 3-1 lead, he showed an active performance. Nevertheless, I am proud of our players for their good performance.

-What has changed from the previous warm-up game?

▶They play in a different style. It was different to Klinsmann's time in the lineup, and there was a difference.

-There was a tactical change.

▶We have prepared two left-backs. It was to prevent Lee Kang-in. The most dangerous and controlling in Korea. He tried to stop Lee Kang-in. Offensively, he failed to create any more chances, but he tried to stop Lee Kang-in onside.

-Hussein scored again that day.

▶Striker has moments of good form. Inside, Hussein is considered a magician. He showed a good performance and tried to take advantage of it.

-Is there a Korean style that you have discussed with the Korean Football Association?

▶I think it would be better to answer elsewhere. I think it's better to just talk about today's game.

– Was there any player other than Lee Kang-in who stood out?

▶ Lee Jae-sung stood out the most in the first half. He couldn't handle Lee Jae-sung's positioning. In the second half everyone was outstanding, but they made mistakes so outstanding players had a chance. Lee Jae-sung stood out and Moon Seon-min also did well.