The key to Hong Myung-baek’s tactics has remained the same: Lee Jae-sung (32-Mainz).
Hong Myung-baek secured a comfortable two-game winning streak against Jordan (2-0) and Iraq (3-2) in what was a watershed moment for the Asian third qualifying round for the 2026 North American World Cup. It was not only the results that stood out, but also the process. Rather than relying on a few individuals, the team’s offense was organized as a whole, and its defense was aggressive 카지노사이트 and quick to put pressure on opponents.
At the center was Lee Jae-sung. Playing as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Lee Jae-sung led the attack with his wide range and clever movement. Against Iraq, Lee’s strengths were on full display. Standing in the middle of the two technicians, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Lee Jae-sung played like a soccer tutor.
His excellent positioning and instant breakaway presses set the tempo, and his positioning changes made it easier for Lee Kang-in and Bae Joon-ho to get on the ball. His penetration was particularly notable. In order to maximize the passing ability of Lee Kang-in and Bae Jun-ho, it is essential to have a player who runs into space, and Lee Jae-sung did just that, opening up the attack. As Iraq coach Jesús Casas said after the game, “No. 10 Lee Jae-sung stood out the most. I don’t think we handled his positioning very well,” said Iraq coach Jesús Casas after the game.
In defense, Lee’s value shone even brighter. Working in tandem with the frontline strikers, he spearheaded the pressure with his constant movement. His dedicated work in the center and on the flanks gave the team an advantage in the numbers game. Even when the ball was played backwards, he was quicker than anyone else to cover the back line, easing the defensive burden on the second line of attackers.
In the second game of the series, he was even the solution. In the absence of captain Son Heung-min, he showed his ‘veteran’ qualities with his responsible play. Lee Jae-sung had two goals and an assist against Jordan and Iraq. Both goals were game-winners. “I didn’t do much (on the goal), it was such a good cross that I just put my head on it,” he said modestly, but it was a beautiful header that was the result of his diligence and cleverness.
Despite his lack of flamboyance, Lee Jae-sung has earned the love of many managers for his football intelligence. Shin Tae-yong, Paulo Bento, and Jürgen Klinsmann have all utilized him. The same goes for Hong Myung-bo. Even with the arrival of newcomers like Bae Joon-ho (Swansea City), Lee Jae-sung’s role has grown. With more technically gifted players at the forefront of the squad and more free-flowing play to capitalize on, Lee’s presence provided both balance and order. In the midst of all the different combinations, Lee Jae-sung has been able to hold his own.