[Suwon=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Bento-led team, desperate for their first win in the Qatar World Cup final qualifiers, is fielding Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Jo Gyu-seong (Gimcheon) as starters to hunt Lebanon.
The national football team, led by coach Paulo Bento, made significant changes to the starting lineup for the second match of Group A in the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian final qualifiers against Lebanon, held on the 7th at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Striker Hwang Ui-jo (Bordeaux) was also benched, while first-time call-up Jo Gyu-seong (Gimcheon) started as the lone striker. Jo Gyu-seong, selected for the national team for the first time in his career, carries the heavy responsibility of scoring Bento’s team’s first goal in the final qualifiers as the starting lone striker. Left attack is handled by Na Sang-ho (Seoul), right attack by Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), with Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), and Hwang In-beom (LA FC) forming the midfield.
The back four line is guarded by Hong Chul (Ulsan), Kim Young-gwon (Gamba Osaka), Kim Min-jae (Fenerbah?e), and Lee Yong (Jeonbuk), while goalkeeper gloves are worn by Kim Seung-gyu (Kashiwa Reysol).
Meanwhile, the team’s star player and captain, Son Heung-min (Tottenham), will not participate in this match against Lebanon due to a right calf injury. The Korea Football Association announced on the 7th, about two hours before the match, that Son Heung-min would be absent due to a right calf injury. "After training yesterday, Son Heung-min felt discomfort in his right calf, and upon examination, a muscle strain was found, leading to his exclusion from the squad," they explained.
The team led by Paulo Bento drew 0-0 in the first match against Iraq and is desperate for a win against Lebanon. Son Heung-min’s sudden withdrawal is a major setback.
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