South Korea turn focus to 2026 after sealing World Cup spot

SEOUL: Coach Hong Myung-bo immediately turned his thoughts to next year's World Cup in North America after South Korea secured qualification following a turbulent campaign.
Hong's side belatedly saw off 10-man Iraq 2-0 in front of a noisy Basra crowd yesterday to seal an 11th straight World Cup appearance.
Substitutes Oh Hyeon-gyu and Kim Jin-kyu scored in the second half to send South Korea through with a game to spare.
"Now that today's match is over and our qualification is confirmed, we will focus everything on the World Cup from this point forward," Hong told reporters.
"There are many things to consider but I believe we need to prepare step by step, steadily, for the World Cup finals."
South Korea top Group B from Jordan with five wins and four draws but it has not been an easy qualifying campaign.
They remain heavily reliant on skipper and Spurs attacker Son Heung-min, 32, who was not involved against Iraq.
He lifted the Europa League trophy with the Spurs but had a mixed season by his high standards and struggled for form and fitness.
South Korea were held by Palestine and drew home to Oman and Jordan in their three previous games, as they laboured to finish the line.
Decorated former international Hong, 56, was booed by fans following his appointment nearly a year ago.
That came after South Korean football bosses scrambled around trying to find a permanent successor to the sacked and unpopular Jurgen Klinsmann.
Hong said that the sending-off of Iraq's English-based forward Ali Al-Hamadi on 26 minutes changed the game.
"I expected this to be a difficult match and even as it began, I judged that it wouldn't be easy," he said.
"But once the opposing team had a player sent off we were able to take control of the game.
"Ultimately, we capitalised on the man advantage, created scoring opportunities and secured the win.
"I want to congratulate my players and say I'm very pleased."
South Korea host Kuwait on Tuesday in their last qualifier.
The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico takes place in June-July next year.

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[UPDATED] Another escape act from Pearly-Thinaah

New Straits Times

38 minutes ago

New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Another escape act from Pearly-Thinaah

KUALA LUMPUR: Again, it was Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah's trademark that saved their day — their famed fighting spirit. he world No. 4 Malaysian pair made a spectacular comeback in the Indonesia Open semi-final in Jakarta today, battling from a game down to beat China's world No. 6 Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min 12-21, 21-17, 21-11. For that, they were rewarded with their first ever Super 1000 final in their careers. Pearly-Thinaah will meet either China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning or South Korean world No. 3 Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee in the title decider tomorrow. Despite playing their fourth consecutive World Tour tournament, the Malaysian duo refused to let weariness get in the way. The 65-minute battle was indeed a testament of the grit and maturity that Pearly-Thinaah are known for. "Words can't describe how happy we are today. At one game down, we didn't want to give up easily," said Thinaah. "Today, it was not just about strategy but mental and physical strength and I am really thankful that Pearly was by my side. She smashed a lot. "We just have to be relaxed and maintain our calm, which gives us strength, in the final tomorrow." Pearly said that there was no particular moment where the tide turned although the Chinese pair had been dominant early in the match. "There were some trick shots and we enjoyed those points." The energy-sapping sequence for Pearly-Thinaah began four weeks ago at the Thailand Open where they captured the Super 500 crown. This was followed by a semi-final appearance at the Malaysia Masters and the duo reached the last eight at the Singapore Open last week. The faster and younger Yi Jing (23) and Xup Min (22) set the pace to run away with a 21-12 win in the first game but Pearly, 25, and Thinaah, 27, began their customary fightback after that and ended the contest with a flourish.

Sacked Postecoglou as hailed ‘a Spurs legend' by Son

The Sun

an hour ago

The Sun

Sacked Postecoglou as hailed ‘a Spurs legend' by Son

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR captain Son Heung-min said Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked as manager on Friday, had 'changed the trajectory of this club' by delivering their first silverware in 17 years. Postecoglou guided Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final last month to clinch the club's first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. But the 59-year-old Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. Son, though, in an effusive tribute on Instagram said Postecoglou had transformed the club. 'Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club,' wrote Son. 'You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. 'You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.' Son, who has seen five managers sacked in the past six years by chairman Daniel Levy, said he had formed a close relationship with Postecoglou during his two year tenure. 'You trusted me with the captaincy,' said the 32-year-old Korean star. 'One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. 'I am a better player and a better person because of you. 'Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.' Tottenham were ravaged by injuries and in the latter stages of the campaign Postecoglou focused on keeping his key players fit and fresh for the Europa League. The gamble paid off but even securing Tottenham's first trophy since the 2008 League Cup was not enough to save the former Celtic handler. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace's FA Cup winning handler Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. – AFP

Son hails sacked Postecoglou as ‘a Spurs legend'