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The match was primed for an upset as South Korea struggled to impose themselves on Oman, but despite some good chances to equal the scores, the Yong-Cheol goal in the first half remained the decisive goal in Canberra.
South Korea really struggled to find fluidity in attack, which is a good sign for Australia, but not so good for coach Uli Stielike, who has struggled to get the best out of a star studded Korean side.
Nevertheless Korea find themselves closer to the quarter finals, thanks to Yong-cheol’s goal on the stroke of half-time. Midfielder Ja-cheol surged through Oman’s defence and fired a shot on goal, which Al-Habsi parried into the path of Yong-cheol for the young striker to slot home from close range.
FINAL SCORE:
Korea 1
Oman 0
Group A favourites Korea Republic open their 2015 Asian Cup campaign against the tricky Oman on Saturday afternoon in Canberra. Join The Roar for live blog coverage from 4:00pm (AEDT).
Korea are firm favourites to win the match, and, along with Australia, are also favoured to go through from Group A, but Oman and Kuwait will bide their time and prove difficult opponents to break down, forcing Australia and Korea to play their best or face an early exit.
Oman head into the tournament on a poor run of form, with just one win from their past seven matches, though that win was a rather convincing display against Kuwait in December, putting five past the hapless Kuwaitis.
Korea have had mixed fortunes in the lead up to the Asian Cup, losing to fellow Cup contenders Iran 1-0, and suffering a 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, but winning against Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Paraguay.
South Korea’s Players to watch:
Son Heung-min – Robbie Kruse’s attacking ally at Bayer Leverkusen has eleven goals in all competitions this season, and comes into the Cup fully fit and lethal for Korea.
Mainz Duo – Fullback Joo-ho Park and versatile midfielder Koo Ja-cheol come off a decent start to the Bundasliga season as their side – Mainz 05 – lingers halfway down the table. Both players have regular game time there, and will provide quality for the Koreans.
Ki Sung-yeung – The South Korean captain and Swansea City maestro will be a key player in determining how far the Korean’s go in the Asian Cup, with his technical ability and passing range a key factor in South Korea’s midfield.
Oman Players to watch:
Ali Al-Habsi – Wigan Athletic goalkeeper and Oman captain Al-Habsi will be looking to guide his team from the back. He will be an integral part of the squad, as the Oman team is no doubt prepared for an onslaught from Korea and Australia.
Saad Al-Mukhaini – As a right full-back with 65 caps, the 27 year old’s speed and defiant defensive ability could come in handy. He also has a knack for getting forward, though is yet to score a goal for his country, despite an impressive goal scoring record with his club Al-Oruba.
How Korea can win:
They’re expected to win, and with the quality of players on their team sheet, anything but a convincing win will be a failure.
Son Heung-min has been almost unstoppable this season with Leverkusen, with 11 goals and 5 assists in 28 appearances. He will prove too skilful to handle on the wing, so Korea merely have to show up and play to their potential to get underway in the 2015 Asian Cup.
How Oman can win:
A strong defensive display is paramount in stopping Korea’s slick style of football. They have the players to threaten on the counter, but trying to control the match in possession will leave them too vulnerable on the break, so to win this one they may have to park the bus.
Anything is possible, of course, but if Oman go out to try and stop Korea by controlling the game, they’ll have to also uncover the next Pique in defence.
Prediction:
Korea will be too strong for Oman, and will win comfortably 3-0.
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