October 18 2024
By Daewon Kang
Korea was stung with an equalizer as soon as the second half began, after ending the first half 1-0. Iraq's Aimen Hussein connected the cross from the right side with an overhead kick in the fifth minute of the second half, shaking the net. After being struck by an unexpected blow, Korea paused for a while.
Director Hong used two replacement cards in an attempt to alter the mood. Moon Seon-min (Jeonbuk Hyundai) and Oh Hyun-gyu (Hink) were added, along with Bae Jun-ho and Oh Se-hoon. Moon Seon-min's quick feet and Oh Hyun-gyu's goal-sensing ability, who scored a wedge goal in the previous game against Jordan, were to be exploited.
Director Hong was once again criticized for his mercenary strategy, which altered the course of events by introducing Bae Jun-ho and Oh Hyun-gyu at the same time as the previous Jordan War. This time, a shared goal was scored by Moon Seon-min and Oh Hyun-gyu, who was replaced.
Lee Jae-sung joined Oh Hyun-gyu in scoring goals in back-to-back games. In the 38th minute of the second half, Lee Jae-sung led 2-1 after receiving a cross from Lee Myung-jae with his head. With outstanding position selection and goal awareness, Lee Jae-sung, who scored the game's first goal with a header in the previous game, scored another goal with a header in this one. Manager Hong also displayed relaxation by bringing back Lee Seung-woo, who had not played for the national team for five years, as the victory was assured. In the second half, Iraq scored a goal in extra time, but it was insufficient to alter the outcome.