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Under the leadership of coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean national football team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Iraq in the fourth round of Group B matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers. The match, held on November 15 at Yongin Mireu Stadium, saw goals from Oh Se-hun, Oh Hyeon-gyu, and Lee Jae-sung, propelling Korea to their third consecutive win. With an undefeated record of 3 wins and 1 draw, South Korea maintained their top spot in the group. Iraq, with two wins, one draw, and now one loss, suffered their first defeat.

Kim Min-jae, who wore the captain's armband in place of the injured Son Heung-min, stood strong at the heart of Korea’s defense. Son, sidelined due to a hamstring injury, missed the national team duties for the first time in nearly a year, leading coach Hong to appoint Kim as the new captain. The decision hinted at Kim's growing role as a key figure in the team.

"Kim Min-jae has the ability to control the game from the back, and he has a great relationship with both senior and junior players, which made him the right choice as captain," said coach Hong.

Kim delivered on the expectations placed upon him. Partnering with Cho Yoo-min at center-back, he provided a solid defensive wall, particularly in the match against Jordan, where despite some early jitters, Kim's presence grew stronger, allowing no crucial passes through the backline and keeping Jordan scoreless.

In the match against Iraq, South Korea dominated with over 70% possession, controlling the tempo of the game. Although Iraq attempted counterattacks, Kim Min-jae was quick to intercept and neutralize any threats before they could escalate. With Kim’s steady defense, Korea’s attackers were free to focus on offensive play.

Though Korea conceded two late goals to Iraq, moments that highlighted a brief lapse in concentration, Kim Min-jae’s leadership kept the team unified.

After the match, Kim said, “I’m happy that we got three points and continued our winning streak at a crucial time. Even without [Son] Heung-min, I didn’t think of myself as the captain; every player contributed, and that’s why we had a good performance.”

Just a month ago, Korea had been booed by fans following a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Palestine. After that match, Kim Min-jae even approached the stands to ask the fans for restraint. The atmosphere, however, has changed drastically since then. Korea’s supporters, known as the "Red Devils," traveled to Jordan in large numbers and filled the stadium in Yongin with passionate support.

Kim, moved by the backing, joined the fans for a group photo after the game. "The support from the fans was incredible, and I’m really thankful for that. Of course, I wanted to take a photo with them. We felt comfortable playing at home. To be honest, whether there’s noise inside or outside, it’s the players who create the atmosphere. By focusing on training and teamwork, we’ve built a great environment," Kim said, showcasing his leadership qualities.

Now, Kim Min-jae is ready to pass the captain’s armband back to Son Heung-min. "The players helped me a lot, and it went smoother than I expected. We’re all leading this team together, and we have many young and new players. There weren’t as many challenges as I thought. Whether players are on the field or not, everyone is contributing to this positive atmosphere," he added.

Looking ahead, South Korea will face Kuwait and Palestine in November. Given the ongoing conflict in Palestine, the match may be played in a neutral Middle Eastern country. Fans excited for these upcoming matches may also find value in 메이저사이트 검증 to ensure they are engaging with secure sports platforms for reliable information.