World Cup Matchday 3 of No. 9... Record: 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 5 Losses

South Korea Defeats Portugal and Germany
Foreign Media: "South Korea Is Formidable"
Focus on Jo Gyu-seong and Son Heung-min

The national soccer team, preparing for the third group stage match against Portugal in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, began training on the morning of the 1st (local time) at the Al Egla training ground in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] The Japanese national soccer team defeated Spain, considered one of the world's strongest teams, in the third match of Group E in the group stage and advanced to the round of 16 as the top team in the group. Attention is now focused on South Korea, which is about to face another strong team, Portugal.

On the 2nd, US CBS analyzed, "South Korea is struggling in the group stage but is still a formidable team."

The US media outlet Rotoballer predicted a 2-1 victory for Portugal over South Korea but also noted that it would not be an easy match for Portugal. The media stated, "It will be a tough game for Portugal," and "The Korean team will press Portugal all around the field to secure a win."

◆Nine Third Matches: 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 5 Losses

South Korea has played nine third matches in the World Cup group stage so far, recording 2 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. The two wins were against Portugal (1-0) in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup and against Germany (2-0) in the 2018 Russia World Cup.

The losses occurred in the following five matches: △1986 Mexico World Cup (Italy, 2-3) △1990 Italy World Cup (Uruguay, 0-1) △1994 USA World Cup (Germany, 2-3) △2006 Germany World Cup (Switzerland, 0-2) △2014 Brazil World Cup (Belgium, 0-1).

Additionally, South Korea drew 1-1 against Belgium in the 1998 France World Cup and 2-2 against Nigeria in the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

◆"The Importance of Cho Gue-sung and Son Heung-min's Performance"

The media is focusing on the performances of Cho Gue-sung and Son Heung-min in the third match against Portugal. CBS highlighted, "Cho Gue-sung scored two goals in the match against Ghana and has scored 6 goals in 18 appearances for the national team." It added, "Since turning professional in 2019, he has played 132 matches and scored 52 goals." Furthermore, "Midfielder and captain Son Heung-min is a key scorer with 35 goals in 106 appearances for the national team," CBS noted.

Rotoballer said, "Although Portugal has solid defenders, the Korean team will be able to break through their defense," and added, "Cho Gue-sung, who scored two goals against Ghana, has the potential to become an even greater national hero."

Sports specialist media PhiliSportsNetwork predicted a draw between South Korea and Portugal, emphasizing, "Son Heung-min's performance is crucial for the Korean team to secure a victory."

Meanwhile, the South Korean national team will face Portugal in the third match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage at Al Rayyan Education City Stadium at midnight on the 3rd. If South Korea does not win against Portugal on that day, advancing to the round of 16 will be practically out of reach for the Korean team.