Clinsman-ho, Wu Lei’s counterattack alert ahead of the match against China

On the 21st, the second qualifying round for the Asian region of the North Korea-China-U.S. World Cup against China
Home bird, watch out for rough play

National soccer team players arrive at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 19th and enter the departure hall. On the 21st, the national team will play the second qualifying round for Asia for the 2026 North-China World Cup against the Chinese national team in Shenzhen, China. 안전놀이터

The South Korean men’s national soccer team, which defeated Singapore at home and gained momentum, will face China, which is tricky on the road. South Korea is expected to dominate in terms of objective power, but home turf and rough play are expected to be variables. He is also wary of Wu Lei (32), China’s national team’s flagship player.

The national team, led by head coach Jürgen Klinsmann (59, Germany), will play China in the second Group C match of the 2026 FIFA (International Football Federation) North and Central American World Cup Asia at the Universiade Sports Center in Shenzhen, China on the 21st. South Korea left for China on the morning of the 19th after winning 5-0 in the first match against Singapore on the 16th and immediately began adapting to the local area.

South Korea has an absolute advantage in the A-match match against China with 22 wins, 12 draws, and 2 losses. Since losing 0-1 in the final qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup in Russia in March 2017, he has been undefeated in four matches (3 wins and 1 draw) against China for about six years.

Cleansman, who has formed the strongest squads such as Son Heung-min (31, Tottenham) and Lee Kang-in (22, Paris Saint-Germain), has recently won four consecutive A-matches and has been on a steep rise. The objective power difference is clear. South Korea is ranked 24th in the FIFA rankings, while China is 79th. Korea is expected to win, but it is dangerous to let down its guard. This is because the road to China has not always been easy. The home turf is severe and the players’ rough play is notorious. In addition, China also gained momentum with a come-from-behind victory of 2-1 in the first group match against Thailand on the 16th. Motivation for the Korean War has also become stronger.

Wu Lei (32), the flagship player of the Chinese national team, is considered the No. 1 player to be wary of. Despite the evaluation that the heyday has passed, he showed a sharp movement to penetrate the back space momentarily in the match against Thailand. While China is expected to carry out a defense-oriented strategy with a draw in mind, it is necessary to be careful about the instant counterattack with thunder. In an interview with China’s state-run CCTV on the 17th, Wu Lei said, “Korea is a strong team in the world beyond Asia,” adding, “We must lower our posture and fight.” “We have to focus on giving the fans victory at home,” he said.

If South Korea wins the away match in China and adds three points, it is certain to pass the second preliminary round. The burden on the remaining schedule is not so much. Coach Klinsmann is expected to make all-out efforts against China to get into a stable position early.

“It is important not to be caught up in China’s rough play,” national team captain Son Heung-min said. “If we play, we will be able to play well. There is no need to be afraid of China,” he said. Kim Min-jae (27, Bayern Munich), who once played in the Chinese league, predicted an early head start, saying, “If you play rough from the defense, the game will be easier.”