Captain Son Heung-min's outstanding performance, including the winning goal and two assists, helped head coach Hong Myung-bo secure his first victory since returning.
The South Korean national football team, led by Hong Myung-bo, defeated Oman 3-1 in their second match of Group B in the third round of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Asian qualifiers at Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Muscat, Oman, on the 10th (Korean time). Son Heung-min scored the winning goal with his left foot in the 37th minute of the second half, receiving a pass from Lee Kang-in when the score was tied 1-1.
Son Heung-min started as a left winger, sharing the midfield responsibilities with Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in. Oh Se-hun played as the main striker.
Park Yong-woo and Hwang In-beom controlled the midfield, while the defensive back four consisted of Lee Myung-jae, Kim Min-jae, Jung Seung-hyun, and Seol Young-woo. Jo Hyeon-woo guarded the goal.
Son Heung-min roared after scoring his second goal, the winning goal, in the 37th minute of the second half during the third round of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers against Oman at Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Muscat, Jordan, on the 10th (Korean time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency
South Korea took the early initiative just 4 minutes into the match with Lee Kang-in’s first shot. Maintaining good momentum, they scored the opening goal within 10 minutes of the first half. Hwang Hee-chan received the ball from Son Heung-min and scored with his left foot just outside the penalty box.
However, after the mid-first half, Oman gained control, making the match difficult for Korea. Eventually, South Korea conceded an equalizer during added time of the first half. A foul by Seol Young-woo just outside the left side of the penalty box led to a free kick. From the set-piece, Jung Seung-hyun headed the ball, which unfortunately went into Korea’s own net, resulting in an own goal.
The second half started well for Korea. Son Heung-min was fouled by an opposing defender in the 5th minute of the second half, and the referee immediately awarded a penalty kick. However, after video review, the referee overturned the penalty decision.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in curled a left-footed shot just outside the right side of the penalty box aiming for the goal, but the ball narrowly missed. One minute later, Lee Kang-in again targeted the goal with his left foot inside the penalty box, but the shot went just over the crossbar.
The winning goal came in the 37th minute of the second half. Son Heung-min received the ball from Lee Kang-in at the center of the arc and fired a powerful left-footed shot into the net. Despite the dense defense, he unleashed a refreshing long-range strike.
During stoppage time in the second half, Son Heung-min drew defenders inside the penalty box and passed the ball to Joo Min-kyu, assisting the additional goal.
Hong Myung-bo’s team secured their first win after a 0-0 draw against the weaker Palestine in their opening home match. They now hold the highest points in Group B, tied with Jordan at 4 points.
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