Korean Men’s Football Team Faces Uzbekistan in Asian Games Semi-Finals

Korean Men’s Football Team Faces Uzbekistan in Asian Games Semifinals

The Korean men’s football team is vying for their third consecutive Asian Games title as they prepare to take on Uzbekistan in the semifinals.

Coached by Hwang Seon-hong, the Korean team will clash with Uzbekistan in the men’s football semifinal match of the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. The game will be held at the Huanglong Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China on the 4th of December at 9 pm.

In their journey to the semifinals, Korea dominated Group E by defeating Kuwait (9-0), Thailand (4-0), and Bahrain (3-0). They then thrashed Kyrgyzstan 5-1 in the round of 16 before defeating China 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

This marks Korea’s sixth consecutive appearance in the tournament’s semifinals and brings them one step closer to securing their third consecutive title. However, for Uzbekistan, it’s the first time they have reached the semifinals in 29 years since the 1994 Hiroshima Games.

Throughout the tournament, Korea has displayed an impressive offensive prowess, scoring 23 goals in 5 games, while only conceding one. Uzbekistan has also showcased solid defense, allowing only two goals in four matches.

Notably, Jung Woo-young from Stuttgart has emerged as a key player for Korea, scoring 5 goals in the tournament, tying with Mohamed Maran from Saudi Arabia as the highest scorer. Additionally, Cho Young-wook (Gimcheon Sangmu), Hong Hyun-seok (KAA Gent), and Baek Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai) have contributed 3 goals each. The diverse goal distribution among the players highlights Korea’s tactical advantage and adds more complexity for their opponents.

In their recent match against China, Coach Hwang strategically excluded Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Jung Woo-young, and Seol Young-woo (Ulsan Hyundai) from the starting lineup. Despite their absence, Korea secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Hong Hyun-seok and Song Min-gyu. Lee Kang-in, Jung Woo-young, and Seol Young-woo joined the game in the second half, allowing the team to both secure their spot in the semifinals and manage the physical exertion of key players.

Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in Korea’s midfield play, as occasional loose passes have led to dangerous situations for the opposition.

While Korea may appear stronger on paper compared to Uzbekistan, surprises are common in tournaments like these, emphasizing the need for Korea to remain vigilant.

Semi-final Matchups:

• Korea vs. Uzbekistan at 9 pm on December 4th
• Japan vs. Hong Kong at 7 pm on December 4th

Japan, known for their strength in football, is expected to secure an easy victory against Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong’s momentum after defeating powerhouse Iran 1-0 to reach the semifinals for the first time cannot be ignored. It is anticipated to be an intense and fierce encounter.

If Korea defeats Uzbekistan, they will face the winner of the Japan vs. Hong Kong match in the final gold medal match on December 7th at 9 o’clock.

[Translation from the original Korean article by Chang-hyun Yoo]

The Korean men’s football team, seeking their third consecutive Asian Games title, will face Uzbekistan for a ticket to the finals.

Korea, led by coach Hwang Seon-hong, will play against Uzbekistan in the men’s football semi-final of the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games held at the Huanglong Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China at 9 pm on the 4th.

Korea defeated Kuwait (9-0), Thailand (4-0), and Bahrain (3-0) in Group E, then defeated Kyrgyzstan 5-1 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarter-finals and face China. defeated 2-0 and progressed to the semi-finals.

Korea, who have advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament for the sixth time in a row, will be one step closer to winning their third tournament in a row if they win against Uzbekistan. On the other hand, Uzbekistan advanced to the semi-finals for the first time in 29 years since the 1994 Hiroshima Games.

Korea, who are within sight of a medal, scored 23 goals in 5 games and showed ruthless offensive power. At the same time, they showed great defensive ability by conceding just one goal. Uzbekistan also showed solid defence, conceding two goals in four games.

In particular, Jung Woo-young (Stuttgart) scored 5 goals in the tournament which progressed to the quarter-finals. He is tied for the highest score with Mohamed Maran (Saudi Arabia).

In addition, Cho Young-wook (Gimcheon Sangmu), Hong Hyun-seok (KAA Gent), and Baek Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai), who were appointed as front line attackers, scored 3 goals. It is even more positive as the scores are not focused on a specific player.

This is because from a tactical point of view, it can cause a lot of problems for the opponent. Teams facing Korea have no choice but to consider different things.

This was clearly revealed in the last match against China. Coach Hwang formed a starting lineup that excluded tactical focal points Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Jung Woo-young, as well as wild card defender Seol Young-woo (Ulsan Hyundai).

On this day, Korea took the lead with Hong Hyun-seok’s free kick goal in the 18th minute of the first half and Song Min-gyu’s extra goal in the 35th minute of the first half. The team won 2-0, keeping the lead until the end with goals scored while Lee Kang-in and Jung Woo-young were not on the field.

Lee Kang-in and Jung Woo-young came on in the 18th minute of the second half and played, and Seol Young-woo entered the field in the 41st minute of the second half. As well as confirming progress to the semi-finals, the team also managed to marshal the physical strength of key players.

However, the occasional loose play in midfield which led to dangerous scenes by giving the ball to the opposition is considered a point that needs improvement.

Korea are ahead of Uzbekistan in terms of objective power, but they must not let their guard down in a tournament where many surprises happen.

Meanwhile, the semi-final between Japan and Hong Kong takes place at 7pm on the 4th.

Considering the strength of Japan alone, an easy victory is expected, but the momentum of Hong Kong, which defeated the powerhouse Iran 1-0 and advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Games for the first time, is also strong, so it is expected to be. fierce game.

If Korea defeats Uzbekistan, the final gold medal match will be held against the winner of Japan and Hong Kong at 9 o’clock on the 7th.

[ 경기신문 = 유창현 기자 ]

#아시안게임 #Seonhongho #Hwang #faces #Uzbekistan #ticket #finals