Since qualifying for every tournament in 1986, South Korea will take part in the World Cup for the 10th time in a row in 2022.
For only the 3rd occasion in their history and for the 1st time since they placed fourth as hosts in 2002, they will be attempting to advance to the knockout round of the competition.
South Korea confirmed squad for the World Cup
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Jo Hyeon-woo, Song Bum-keun
Defenders: Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-su, Hong Chul, Kim Min-jae, Kwon Kyung-won, Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Tae-hwan, Cho Yu-min, Yoon Jong-gyu.
Midfielders: Jung Woo-young, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Kwon Chang-hoon, Hwang In-beom, Na Sang-ho, Son Jun-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Jeong Woo-yeong, Lee Kang-in, Song Min-kyu.
Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo, Son Heung-min, Cho Gue-sung.
When Chancel Mbemba struck Son Heung-min in the face during Tottenham’s Champions League game away at Marseille at the beginning of November, there would have been a collective gasp from South Korea. During the first half, Son limped off the field, and it was later discovered that the South Korean superstar would need surgery to normalise an eye fracture. The athlete did, however, confirm on Instagram that he would be joining up with his countrymen in Qatar.
Players to watch
Son Heung-min
Although Son Heung-2022–23 min’s season may not have gotten off to the best of starts, he has attained godlike status in his home country, where all of their hopes are placed on the Tottenham star.
Kim Min-jae
This season, Kim Min-jae is nothing short of revolutionary for Napoli. The tenacious South Korean hasn’t put a foot wrong at the centre of Luciano Spalletti’s defence since taking over for stalwart defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Portugal and Uruguay should be on alert in Group H. The former, in specific, may be vulnerable to a surprise loss. Four years ago, South Korea shocked the Germans in Russia. However, Son’s poor performance as well as his injury mean that their star player is unlikely to shine in Qatar. So, it would be a huge shock if South Korea advanced to the round of 16.
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