‘Soccer Prodigy’ Lee Kang-in's Performance... Golden Left Foot Helps Advance to Round of 16

Equalizing Goal Scored with Lee Kang-in's Assist
Actively Participated in Offense and Defense Afterwards
Also Delivered a Threatening Left-Footed Free Kick

On the morning of the 3rd (Korean time), at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the third match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Portugal, South Korea's Lee Kang-in is crossing the ball with his left foot in the second half.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Lee Kang-in contributed with an equalizing goal in his first starting appearance at the World Cup, helping the team advance to the Round of 16.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Paulo Bento, secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Portugal in the final Group H match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup held on the 3rd (Korean time) at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

For the South Korean team, it was a must-win against the strong Portugal, while also needing to watch the match between Uruguay and Ghana. Fortunately, Uruguay defeated Ghana 2-0, allowing South Korea to advance to the Round of 16. South Korea finished tied with Uruguay with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, earning 4 points and a goal difference of 0, but advanced due to a superior number of goals scored, 4-2.

Portugal, having already secured their place in the Round of 16 after the second match, made significant changes to their starting lineup. Deploying a squad that was effectively a 1.5th team by changing six players, Portugal remained strong. They frequently unsettled the South Korean defense with long passes, and actually conceded the opening goal just 5 minutes into the first half to Ricardo Horta (Braga), who received a cross from Diogo Dalot.

South Korea's counterattack originated from Lee Kang-in's left foot. In the 50th minute, Lee Kang-in delivered a left corner kick that deflected off Ronaldo's body, allowing Kim Young-gwon to shoot towards the goal and score the equalizer.

Afterwards, Lee Kang-in led the attack tirelessly across the pitch. His previously criticized weakness in transitioning between offense and defense appeared natural. He pressured veteran center-back Pepe to steal the ball and earned a free kick in the 72nd minute, delivering a threatening left-footed shot. Ultimately, the match ended with a dramatic winning goal by Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) in the 91st minute.

Lee Kang-in, who gained attention as a child appearing on the TV program "Nara Shootdori," is well known as a "football prodigy." He went abroad early to Spain for his studies and proved his genius by contributing to South Korea's runner-up finish at the 2019 U-20 World Cup held in Poland.

However, his World Cup journey was not smooth. Coach Bento rarely utilized Lee Kang-in after calling him up to the national team. Although he was brought on as a substitute in matches against Uruguay and Ghana, he had not started until now.

Nevertheless, his performances stood out in every game, especially in the Ghana match where he assisted Jo Gyu-sung's goal just one minute after coming on, showing remarkable impact. Ultimately, starting against Portugal and leading the team to the Round of 16 solidified his presence.

With a high chance of facing Brazil in the Round of 16, attention is focused on what kind of performance Lee Kang-in’s left foot will display.