Stay updated with breaking news from John Duerden. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
What a difference a game makes. South Korea’s 3-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok on Tuesday in a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup not only has the team within touching distance of the all-important third round but also has everyone feeling better.
These are turbulent times in Korean football on and off the field. The Asian Cup finished weeks ago, but the tournament will cast a long shadow even though the journey to the 2026 World Cup has now resumed.
Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny for a gesture he made towards fans following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday.
The Asian Cup was a strange experience for South Korea. A week ago, the team and fans were looking forward to a semi-final against Jordan, a team ranked 64 places below. It was not just a winnable game but the trophy looked to be on its way to Seoul for the first time in 64 years.
Saudi Arabia and Thailand faced each other in Qatar on Thursday. Both had already booked their places in the knockout stages and knew the winner of the final game would top Group F and advance to the Round of 16, where they would play against South Korea, the runner-up from Group E. Just a few days ago, the idea might have been intimidating, but not anymore. Both teams did their utmost to win and did not seem to care even one little bit about the prospect of facing the Taeguk Warriors. Any fear factor that may have existed has dissipated.