Sleepless Brazil Match, Ahn Jung-hwan and Kim Sung-joo Step Up

Photo by MBC

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] As the quarterfinal bracket of the 2022 Qatar World Cup is gradually being filled, South Korea will face the strong title contender Brazil in the round of 16.

On the 5th, MBC announced that at 10:50 PM, the round of 16 match between Japan and Croatia will be broadcast with caster Kim Najin and commentator Park Moonseong. From 3 AM on the 6th, the match between South Korea and Brazil will be covered live by caster Kim Sungjoo and commentators Ahn Jung-hwan and Seo Hyungwook.

Japan defied expectations by finishing first in their group and advancing to the round of 16 for the second consecutive time. Their opponent, Croatia, was the runner-up in the 2018 Russia World Cup and currently holds the 12th spot in the FIFA rankings, making them a formidable opponent. Attention is focused on the match between Japan, who advanced to the round of 16 with comeback wins over Germany and Spain in the group stage, and Croatia.

The South Korean national football team will play Brazil in the round of 16 at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, at 4 AM on the 6th. South Korea dramatically advanced to the round of 16 by overcoming a 9% chance in the group stage, showcasing the fighting spirit of the Taegeuk Warriors. However, Brazil, ranked number 1 in FIFA and considered a strong title contender in every World Cup, will be a tough opponent.

Commentator Ahn Jung-hwan stated, "Football is a question mark. No matter how strong the opponent is, you never know what the result will be. Football is unpredictable until the very last second." All eyes are on whether South Korea will secure another victory.

The round of 16 match between France and Poland, broadcast early that morning by Kim Sungjoo, Ahn Jung-hwan, and Seo Hyungwook, recorded a 3.7% household viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking first. The peak rating soared to 6.4%.

MBC is firing up early. According to the schedule, the shows "If We Don't Fight, It's a Blessing" and "Oh Eun-young Report - Marriage Hell" will be preempted that afternoon. At 9 PM, the World Cup special variety show "Ahn Jung-hwan's Hidden Qatar" Part 3 will air, followed by the Friday-Saturday drama "Golden Marriage Premiere" at 10:30 PM. From 10:50 PM, the special broadcast of the "2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup" will be aired.