Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Korea scrape through on Uzbek's own goal
Korean players celebrate after Uzbekistan defender Akmal Shorakhmedov's own goal in the first half of their World Cup qualifier at the Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea won 1-0. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
Uzbekistan defender Akmal Shorakhmedov’s own goal just before the end of the first half gave Korea three points in a critical match in its World Cup qualifying campaign at the Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Tuesday.
With the win, the Taeguk Warriors cemented their position at the top of Group A with 14 points, leaving Uzbekistan further adrift in second place with 11.
Barring a loss by a jaw-dropping-goal margin in the game against Iran on June 18, Korea will likely compete at the world’s biggest football competition in Brazil next year, as the top two teams of each group will earn an automatic berth. If Iran loses to Lebanon, Korea will automatically advance to the World Cup regardless of the result of its last qualifier.
Newly added Son Heung-min was obviously the biggest threat to Uzbekistan. Along with two other jet-footed midfielders Lee Keun-ho and Lee Chung-young, the 20-year-old striker from Hamburg SV constantly drew Uzbekistan defenders at the front with his decent dribbling skills, creating chances for others.
Forward Kim Shin-wook failed to prove his ability as a striker but his 196-centimeter height was still a menace, keeping some defenders near him every time he jumped near the goalmouth.
The Koreans showed a sense of urgency out of the gate after previously displaying uninspired and lethargic performances throughout the qualifying campaign, which became a serious threat to their World Cup chances, following a draw against Lebanon last week.
The visiting team missed its best chance when Ulugbek Bakaev launched a strike that was blocked by goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong’s diving save in the 23th minute.
Uzbekistan continued with more aggressive passes to the front in the second half but did not have a striker who was capable of putting one chance of many into the net.
Neither team ever really dominated. Uzbekistan created some good chances _ almost as many as Korea. But it was Shorakhmedov’s header in the wrong direction that tipped the balance in the 43rd minute.
Manager Choi Kang-hee has so far failed to present a clear identity in attack, even though the defense line seemed more solid than in previous games. Kwak Tae-hwi and Kim Young-gwon had a decent partnership as fullbacks.
Jeonbuk Motors forward Lee Dong-gook had a chance for redemption as a replacement for Lee Keun-ho, in the second half, but his two shots missed.
A combination of Son, who has scored 12 goals for Hamburg this season, and Lee Keun-ho showed potential, but poor finishing remains as a task for Choi to resolve before the World Cup.
Korea’s final group match against Iran will begin at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast by SBS television.