Lee Kang-in, the PSG Midfield Maestro, Drives South Korea to Victory Over Tunisia in a Friendly Clash

 

Lee Kang-in, the PSG Midfield Maestro, Drives South Korea to Victory Over Tunisia in a Friendly Clash

Midfielder Lee Kang-in made a stunning impact, notching his first two senior international goals, as South Korea triumphed with a resounding 4-0 victory against Tunisia in a friendly match held in Seoul last Friday.

Lee, a highly talented playmaker representing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), electrified the audience with two quickfire goals within three minutes during the second half at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, injecting life into a rather lackluster opening 45 minutes.

The Korean side extended their lead to 3-0 when Tunisian defender Yassine Meriah scored an unfortunate own goal in the 67th minute. Substituted player Hwang Ui-jo sealed the deal with a goal in extra time.

This game marked a significant milestone for South Korea as they had not scored more than twice in any of their previous six matches under the guidance of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Notably, Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, who was nursing a groin injury, was absent from the match. Additionally, Hwang In-beom, a key player for the national team from FK Crvena zvezda, was withdrawn from the starting lineup just moments before kick-off due to a left adductor injury sustained during warm-up.

The first half of the game was devoid of excitement, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. Cho Gue-sung and Lee Ki-je of the Korean side attempted mid-range shots that failed to trouble the goalkeepers. In the 39th minute, Aissa Laidouni fired a shot from outside the box that sailed high and wide.

Lee Kang-in dramatically altered the course of the match in the early stages of the second half. After being fouled by Ellyes Skhiri just outside the right edge of the box, Lee took the free-kick himself and expertly curled the ball into the right corner. Despite a valiant effort by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, he could only touch the ball but couldn't keep it out of the net.

Remarkably, this match saw the 22-year-old Lee end his goalless streak of 14 matches for the senior national team.

Lee added another goal to his tally just minutes later, seizing upon a loose ball in a chaotic box scramble. With his back to the net, he deftly turned and fired in one fluid motion, leaving Dahmen rooted to the spot.

In the 67th minute, Lee was instrumental in South Korea's third goal, as his corner kick found Kim Min-jae's head for the initial shot, which then deflected off Yassine Meriah's leg and found its way into Tunisia's net.

Hwang Ui-jo put the final nail in Tunisia's coffin by capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score South Korea's fourth goal, concluding a comprehensive victory.

This match marked South Korea's first-ever victory against Tunisia in their third encounter. The Taegeuk Warriors are set to face Vietnam in their next match at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, located just south of Seoul. (Yonhap)