South Korean players acknowledge their supporters after a 1-1 draw against Palestine in the Group B match in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualification at Amman International Stadium in Amman on Nov. 19, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s lead in their group for the Asian World Cup qualifiers has been cut from five points to three points, following the final set of matches for 2024, held Tuesday night across the Middle East.
In the first of three Group B matches Tuesday in the third round of the qualification tournament, South Korea took a 1-1 draw against Palestine in Amman, serving as the neutral venue for the war-torn home side. Thanks to a 16th-minute equalizer by captain Son Heung-min, South Korea salvaged a point to reach 14 points.
They have four wins and two draws with four matches left in the third round, with both of the draws having come against Palestine.
Hours later, Iraq defeated Oman 1-0 in Muscat to improve to 11 points on three wins, two draws and one loss. Their lone defeat came against South Korea on Oct. 15.
In the nightcap, Jordan and Kuwait played to a 1-1 draw in Kuwait City, with Jordan only getting to nine points, unable to keep pace with Iraq.
There are three groups of six in the third round, and the top two countries from each group after 10 matches will grab tickets to the 2026 World Cup. Teams finishing in third and fourth will move on to play in the fourth round.
In Group A, Iran (16 points) and Uzbekistan (13 points) are leading the way. Japan (16 points) and Australia (seven points) are the top two dogs in Group C.
South Korea will close out the third round by playing three of their final four matches at home.
They will host Oman on March 20 and Jordan on March 25. After visiting Iraq on June 5, South Korea will wrap up the round with a home match against Kuwait on June 10.
South Korea could secure their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance during the March window.
(Yonhap)
