September 5, 2024 19:00 Beijing time, the third phase of the World Cup Asian qualifiers rekindled the fire, the 18 strong battle opened, the first round of the South Korea against Palestine in the focus of the war.
For Korea, the national team
Boss Hong Myung-bo just took office to lead the team, the outside world still have questions about the fairness of its selection. The KFA announced a 26-man roster, led by Son, with Lee Gang-in, Kim Min-jae, and other notable players among them. Kwon Kyung-won and Kim Hyeon-hwan left the team due to injury, and Cho Eu-min and Hwang Asa-won came in as replacements. South Korea's morale is booming after three straight wins over China in the last round. In the last five matches, Korea scored 12 goals and conceded 3, good performance in offense and defense. In this World Cup qualifier, Coach Hong Myung-bo faces the challenge of adjusting Son's role in the national team and giving more freedom to Lee Kang-in, the initiator of the offense.
Palestine have improved significantly in recent years, reaching the knockout stages of the 2023 Asian Cup for the first time in their history. Having reached the last 18 of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, they have also earned the right to play in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Omar Farai and Mustafa Jaidan, who have played for Sweden at all levels of the national team and in the A-League, are likely to represent Palestine in the crucial match against South Korea. Palestine's morale has been hit by a 0-5 loss at home to Australia, where they failed to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Moreover, Palestine's ability to play away from home is questionable, with only one win in their last six away matches, and the future of this match against South Korea is uncertain.
South Korea is strong as an Asian powerhouse. This year's game has Son and Lee Gang-in and other overseas players to help, the home game is sure to fight for victory. Although Palestine has made great progress in recent years, but there is still a gap with South Korea, coupled with the poor performance on the road, favor South Korea to win.
