[Suwon=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Our national soccer team secured their first win in the final round of the Qatar World Cup qualifiers by defeating Lebanon. Kwon Chang-hoon, who came on as a substitute in the second half, made a crucial impact by scoring the precious opening and winning goal, breaking the frustrating flow of the game.
Led by coach Paulo Bento, the team beat Lebanon 1-0 in the second match of Group A in the Qatar World Cup final qualifiers held on the 7th at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Although it was not a comfortable victory, our team breathed a sigh of relief after securing their first win.
Kwon Chang-hoon, who came on as a substitute, played the role of a savior. After scoring in the second round of the Qatar World Cup qualifiers against Turkmenistan in June last year, he ended a 1 year and 3 months goal drought, providing much-needed relief to the struggling team. It was also significant that the goal was scored at his club team (Suwon Samsung)'s home ground, Suwon World Cup Stadium. The team recorded 1 win and 1 draw, earning 4 points, and rose to first place in Group A, surpassing higher-ranked teams like Iran, who have yet to play their matches.
Before the match, the team faced a setback as their star player Son Heung-min injured his right calf. The Korea Football Association explained that after training the day before, Son Heung-min felt discomfort in his right calf and was diagnosed with a muscle strain. As a result, he did not participate in the match against Lebanon.
Coach Bento made significant changes to the starting lineup compared to the first match against Iraq. Along with Son Heung-min, Hwang Ui-jo was also benched. Instead, Cho Gue-sung started as the lone striker, flanked by Hwang Hee-chan and Na Sang-ho on the wings. Lee Dong-gyeong played as the attacking midfielder. Behind him were Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung. The defense consisted of Hong Chul, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Yong, with Kim Seung-gyu guarding the goal.
Lee Dong-gyeong opened the scoring opportunity early with a powerful left-footed long-range shot from the center of the arc just 2 minutes into the first half, but the shot was blocked by the defense. At the 10th minute, Lee Jae-sung attempted a header right in front of the goal during a corner kick, but it was tipped away by the goalkeeper. At the 16th minute, Hwang Hee-chan had a golden chance on the left side of the opponent's penalty box, but his shot went over the crossbar.
At the 30th minute, the team faced a crisis. Lebanon's Alexander Melki attempted a header from a corner kick, but the ball went over the crossbar. In stoppage time of the first half, both Hwang In-beom and Lee Dong-gyeong took consecutive long-range shots, but both were saved by the goalkeeper.
At the start of the second half, the team substituted Cho Gue-sung for Hwang Ui-jo, showing their determination to score. However, at the 9th minute of the second half, Lebanon was awarded a good free-kick opportunity after Hwang In-beom fouled Matouk from behind. Fortunately, the free kick was caught by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
South Korea made further attacking changes at the 12th minute of the second half by bringing on Song Min-kyu and Kwon Chang-hoon, replacing Lee Dong-gyeong and Na Sang-ho. The substitution paid off quickly. At the 15th minute, Kwon Chang-hoon scored the opening goal, putting the team ahead 1-0. Hwang Hee-chan delivered a low and fast cross from the left, and Kwon Chang-hoon rushed to the front of the goal and finished with his left foot.
The team continued to seek additional goals after the opener. At the 27th minute of the second half, Lee Jae-sung was substituted out for Son Jun-ho. At the 29th minute, Song Min-kyu attempted to connect with a left-footed cross from Hong Chul on the left side, but the ball went wide of the left side of the goal. One minute later, Song Min-kyu tried a left-footed long-range shot, but it went slightly over the goal.
In the end, neither team scored again, and the match concluded with South Korea's 1-0 victory.
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