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AFC
Seoul
Korea Republic and Iraq began their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar campaigns with a share of the points after a 0-0 draw in their Group A opener at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday.
An incredible miss from Lee Jae-sung in the first half aside, chances were few and far between in a match that saw possession dominated by the East Asians, but time and again they failed to breakdown a stalwart Iraqi rear-guard.
The hosts had begun on the front foot in the Korea Republic capital but faced by a doughty defence it took until the 26th minute for their first clear-cut opportunity. It was one that should have resulted in a goal.
Kim Moon-hwan’s header from Son Heung-min’s corner was blocked on the line, but the ball dropped only as far as Lee Jae-sung, who somehow blasted over from inside the six-yard box.
Iraq’s best chance of the half came five minutes before the break as Son Jun-ho denied his fellow number 13 Bashar Resan with a last-ditch challenge after the Qatar SC man was put through on goal.
Despite having had 68 percent of possession in the first half, Korea Republic made a change in their midfield with the more attack-minded Nam Tae-hee replacing Son Jun-ho.
Nevertheless, the hosts continued to struggle to open up the Iraq defence and Paulo Bento brought on new Wolves loanee Hwang Hee-chan just before the hour mark, while Dick Advocaat was forced into a change with left-back Ali Adnan limping off the field to be replaced by Dhurgham Ismail.
And Ismail was called upon soon after coming on as he poked the ball away from Hwang Ui-jo as the Bordeaux man looked to take a shot on goal inside the area after he was found by a clever pass from Son Heung-min.
Hwang Hee-chan then should have done better with a header from Hong Chul’s incisive cross but the substitute could only direct it straight at the feet of Fahad Talib.
In the final 10 minutes, Iraq brought on their own attacking stars, Mohanad Ali and Justin Meram, who had arrived in Korea Republic later than the main squad, but it was to be their more defensive teammates who would take the plaudits as the Lions of Mesopotamia saw out the remainder of the tie to secure a well-earned point in Advocaat’s debut as Iraq coach.
Korea Republic will next head to Suwon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday to
face Lebanon.
Seoul
Korea Republic and Iraq began their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar campaigns with a share of the points after a 0-0 draw in their Group A opener at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday.
An incredible miss from Lee Jae-sung in the first half aside, chances were few and far between in a match that saw possession dominated by the East Asians, but time and again they failed to breakdown a stalwart Iraqi rear-guard.
The hosts had begun on the front foot in the Korea Republic capital but faced by a doughty defence it took until the 26th minute for their first clear-cut opportunity. It was one that should have resulted in a goal.
Kim Moon-hwan’s header from Son Heung-min’s corner was blocked on the line, but the ball dropped only as far as Lee Jae-sung, who somehow blasted over from inside the six-yard box.
Iraq’s best chance of the half came five minutes before the break as Son Jun-ho denied his fellow number 13 Bashar Resan with a last-ditch challenge after the Qatar SC man was put through on goal.
Despite having had 68 percent of possession in the first half, Korea Republic made a change in their midfield with the more attack-minded Nam Tae-hee replacing Son Jun-ho.
Nevertheless, the hosts continued to struggle to open up the Iraq defence and Paulo Bento brought on new Wolves loanee Hwang Hee-chan just before the hour mark, while Dick Advocaat was forced into a change with left-back Ali Adnan limping off the field to be replaced by Dhurgham Ismail.
And Ismail was called upon soon after coming on as he poked the ball away from Hwang Ui-jo as the Bordeaux man looked to take a shot on goal inside the area after he was found by a clever pass from Son Heung-min.
Hwang Hee-chan then should have done better with a header from Hong Chul’s incisive cross but the substitute could only direct it straight at the feet of Fahad Talib.
In the final 10 minutes, Iraq brought on their own attacking stars, Mohanad Ali and Justin Meram, who had arrived in Korea Republic later than the main squad, but it was to be their more defensive teammates who would take the plaudits as the Lions of Mesopotamia saw out the remainder of the tie to secure a well-earned point in Advocaat’s debut as Iraq coach.
Korea Republic will next head to Suwon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday to
face Lebanon.
