The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, beat Bahrain 3-1 in the first Group E match of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup held in Doha, Qatar on the 15th.
The Korean team, which aims to regain the top spot at the Asian Cup for the first time in 64 years, took a smooth first step as it won the first match of the Asian Cup, which was not easy every time, by a relatively large margin. Until now, Korea has always had a one-goal gap in the first match of the Asian Cup.
The final score was leisurely nonetheless, the content was not easy. The team was under strong pressure from Bahrain for a considerable time in the first half. Korea failed to create a remarkable scene as it displayed slower-than-usual moves and more pass misses than usual. Rather, it faced a dizzying situation by giving Bahrain a counterattack.
The referee’s decision also blocked the team from proactively responding to the referee’s decision. In the first half alone, key defensive players Park Yong-woo (Al Ain), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Ki-je (Suwon Samsung) were shown yellow cards, forcing the team to become passive. In the second half, strikers Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) and Cho Kyu-sung (Mitt Whelan) were also given yellow cards, which made them concerned about trouble starting from the first round. 토토사이트 추천
Nevertheless, he outmaneuvered Bahrain in terms of individual performance. Hwang In-beom (Zrvena Zvezda) penetrated the tight defense line in the 38th minute of the first half. Son Heung-min spilled a cross that Lee Jae-seong (Mainz) connected low from the left side, and Hwang In-beom rushed in and finished the game with his left foot.
South Korea struggled to breathe, but it was embarrassing when Bahrain lost a point early in the second half. Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) flashed on the risk of handing over the atmosphere to Bahrain. Lee Kang-in gave the national team the lead again in the 11th minute of the second half with a fantastic left-footed kick that the opposing goalkeeper could not use.
Even before the goal, Lee Kang-in served as the commander in chief to determine the route of Korea’s offense. He was located mostly on the right side, but based on accurate kick power of his left foot, he set the direction through long-distance diagonal passes. The cross that bent toward the goal was also sharp, inducing shots by Cho Kyu-sung and Lee Jae-sung.
Lee Kang-in, who gained confidence through scoring, scored multiple goals in the 24th minute of the second half. Son Heung-min was responsible for the completion of the counterattack, which began as he intercepted the ball from the opponent’s side. The opponent’s defense blew itself in the box, but Lee Kang-in beat it with painting and shook the net with a quick left-footed shot.
The second goal seemed to be Lionel Messi, the “God of soccer.” Despite the chaotic situation, he scored with accurate shooting timing and short tempo. Korea is now in line with Lee Kang-in’s consecutive goals, and has secured its first victory in 64 years.
Lee Kang-in’s performance also reminded Spain of Messi. “Lee Kang-in has become the new king of Asian soccer. He won the hearts of Korean fans with his best goal,” sports media “As” said. “Lee Kang-in showed that he is the best by pulling out his cane and performing magic.”
“Lee Kang-in’s first goal reminded me of what I saw in Messi, the greatest player in history. Next time, he dribbled individually and scored multiple goals with his deadly left foot finishing,” he explained.
Lee Kang-in spent most of his career in Spain. He grew up in Valencia during his youth and continued to play in the Primera Liga through Valencia and Majorca after his professional debut. Through his performance in Majorca last season, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, a big club, and became a hot topic of conversation.
“Lee Kang-in was probably the least noticeable among the spectacular new players Paris Saint-Germain recruited this summer,” As said. “Lee Kang-in is the player who is contributing the most,” he said. “He has earned the starting position from Coach Luis Enrique through his talent and hard work. Lee Kang-in is the new Messi and the asset of Paris Saint-Germain.”
Coupled with Lee Kang-in’s remarkable growth, he pointed out the part that Valencia failed to keep. “Everything that Lee Kang-in touches is turning into gold. In 2019, Korea failed to win the Asian Cup. In the same year, Lee Kang-in won the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-20 World Cup,” he said. “Four years later, he became a player beyond that. Valencia did not see Lee Kang-in’s talent. On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain and Korea are enjoying Lee Kang-in’s talent.”