The offensive power of ‘Klins Manho’, who scored two goals in the first evaluation match against Colombia, received a passing grade. However, the defense, led by Kim Min-jae (Napoli), gave up two goals due to a lack of concentration in the second half, creating anxiety. In the upcoming game against Uruguay, attention is focused on whether he will be able to calm down his defensive anxiety.
The Korean national soccer team, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany), will have an evaluation match against Uruguay at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8:00 pm on the 28th.
On the 24th, in Ulsan, coach Klinsmann’s debut game as coach, Korea drew 2-2 with Colombia despite Son Heung-min (Tottenham)’s multi-goal.
They led 2-0 in the first half, but lost their concentration early in the second half and scored 2 goals in 5 minutes. He faced a crisis several times even at set pieces, leaving a disappointing overall defense.
The defense centered on Kim Young-kwon (Ulsan) and Kim Min-jae failed to defend the opposing striker inside the box, giving up an excuse for a run.
In particular, it was painful to not be able to prevent the opponent’s cross from coming up from the side. Lee Ki-je (Suwon), who replaced Kim Jin-soo (Jeonbuk), who was replaced due to back pain, caused some anxiety in the defense.
Kim Jin-soo was eventually called off ahead of the game against Uruguay, and Seol Young-woo (Ulsan) was selected as a substitute. This is the first time Seol Young-woo, who has been represented by age group such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has been selected for the A national team. Seol Young-woo is a side defender who contributed to Ulsan Hyundai winning the K-League championship last year.
Uruguay, which we will meet on the 28th, is a team that fans are familiar with. Korea recorded a 0-0 draw with Uruguay in the first round of Group H of last year’s World Cup group stage in Qatar.
Korea is losing 1 win, 2 draws and 6 losses in 9 head-to-head matches against Uruguay. The only win was a friendly match held in Seoul on October 12, 2018, and won 2-1 with goals from Hwang Ui-jo and Jung Woo-young at the time.
Uruguay also started a generational change after the World Cup. The veterans Diego Godin (Veles) and Luis Suarez (Gremiu) are missing from this list. Instead of old players, the team was built with young players such as Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) and Pagundo Pellistri (Manchester United). However, Darwin Núñez (Liverpool) and Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), who are key players in the offense and defense, were excluded from the list due to injury.
Valverde scored the opening goal in Uruguay’s warm-up match against Japan held in Tokyo on the 24th, but ended in a 1-1 draw.
The national team, which left Ulsan on the 25th and came up to Seoul to take a short outing and rest, will be convened again at Paju NFC at 5:00 pm on the 26th to prepare for the game against Uruguay.
Attention is focusing on whether the Taegeuk Warriors, who could not decide the match against Uruguay in last year’s World Cup, will be able to block Uruguay’s sharp spear well and present coach Klinsman with his first victory.
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