MUSCAT, Sept 10 V7N – South Korea is looking to bounce back in their World Cup qualifying campaign as they face Oman on Tuesday, following a disappointing start to the third round of Asian qualifiers. The match will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, kicking off at 6 p.m. local time (11 p.m. in Korea).Ranked 23rd in the world, South Korea's campaign began on a frustrating note last Thursday when they were held to a goalless draw by 96th-ranked Palestine at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The match saw captain Son Heung-min hit the woodwork in a crucial moment, while midfielder Lee Kang-in squandered several scoring opportunities. The lackluster performance led to boos from the home crowd, directed not only at the team but also at head coach Hong Myung-bo, whose appointment has been met with skepticism.In the aftermath of the match, defender Kim Min-jae confronted fans in an attempt to calm their frustrations, which resulted in a heated exchange. Hong acknowledged the fans' disappointment and expressed his understanding of their reactions, stating he would take responsibility for the team's performance.To regain the support of their irate fan base, a convincing victory over Oman, who lost their opening match to Iraq 1-0, is essential.

Hong emphasized the importance of utilizing the team's talent effectively, with players like Son, Lee, and Hwang Hee-chan available to bolster the attack.Despite the challenges faced in the previous match, Hong remains optimistic about the team's potential. He urged fans to support the players during the match, asking them to direct their frustrations solely at him. "Our players are the ones who have to perform on the field," he said, emphasizing the need for unity as they prepare for this crucial qualifier.As South Korea trains in Oman, the team is determined to turn the tide and secure a vital win that could restore confidence and momentum in their World Cup qualifying journey.

END/WSD/RH