Vietnam team's opponent played bravely against Korea

The Iraqi team has made progress in recent times by winning two consecutive matches against Indonesia and Vietnam in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Therefore, they are full of determination entering the match against South Korea. This is Iraq's only friendly match before the 2023 Asian Cup.

Iraq only suffered a narrow defeat against South Korea (Photo: KFA).

Entering this match, Iraq coach Jesus Casas fielded his strongest squad with 5 players playing in Europe: Hussein Ali (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Osama Rashid (Vizela, Portugal), Amir Al Ammari (Halmstad, Sweden), Merchas Doski (Slovacko, Czech Republic), Montader Madjed (Hammarby, Sweden).

On the other side of the front line, coach Klinsmann proactively let European stars like Son Heung Min, Kim Min Jae, Hwang Hee Chan, Lee Kang In sit on the bench.

Iraq started the match well, continuously attacking their opponents. In the 3rd minute, Bayesh had a chance to score but his shot was too weak in front of the Korean goal.

In the following minutes, Korea gradually regained control of the game. In the 40th minute, the Korean team opened the score. Lee Jae Sung had a skillful curling shot, giving the opposing goalkeeper no chance.

After the break, coach Klinsmann sent the Korean European stars onto the field. However, Son Heung Min and his teammates could not overcome Iraq's resilient defense. The West Asian team played bravely in this match.

In the end, they only lost 0-1 to South Korea. In the 2023 Asian Cup, Iraq will be in the same group with Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan. They will play their opening match against Indonesia on January 15. Iraq will meet Vietnam in the final match on January 24.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/doi-thu-cua-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-choi-qua-cam-truoc-han-quoc-20240106222454687.htm