South Korea's Coach Hong Myung-bo Bets on Oh Hyeon-gyu as Sole Striker, Benches Son Heung-min for South Africa Match

South Korean coach Hong Myung-bo has opted for a surprising lineup for the crucial World Cup group stage match against South Africa, notably excluding star player Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung from the starting eleven. Both are expected to come off the bench later in the game.

Taking the central attacking role will be Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored the decisive goal against the Czech Republic in their previous match. This marks his first start of the tournament. Kim Min-jae will wear the captain's armband in Son's absence, leading a defense expected to feature a three-man backline.

Supporting Oh Hyeon-gyu in attack will be Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in on the wings, with Hwang In-beom and Baek Seung-ho controlling the midfield. The defensive unit is anticipated to consist of Lee Ki-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Han-beom, while Seol Young-woo and Lee Tae-seok will operate as wing-backs. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu is set to start.