In-beom Hwang
CM
Creative Playmaker
Sep 20, 1996 (29)
Both
5'10"
154 lb
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Man of the match against Czechs
Hwang logged one goal and one assist from three shots and one chance created in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Analysis: For a second straight World Cup, Hwang is situated in the center of South Korea's tactical makeup, but unlike last time, he hit the ground running offensively. With the Koreans down 1-0, Hwang found open space in the 67th minute and composedly scored, faking out both a defender and Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar before softly flicking the ball over and past his opposing GK for an equalizer. Less than 15 minutes later, Hwang created his lone chance, a low pass from the right flank to goalscorer Oh Hyun-Gyu. It would make sense that Hwang won Man of the Match honors, the two goals in a World Cup campaign opener South Korea's first time achieving such since 2010.
Returns off bench
In-Beom (ankle) featured for 28 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, marking a significant step in his recovery and putting him on track for South Korea's World Cup opener.
Analysis: In-Beom had been dealing with ankle problems for much of the year but had expressed confidence in his recovery ahead of the tournament, stating he could feel his movements getting smoother each week while acknowledging the need to regain match sharpness through competitive minutes. His appearance against Trinidad and Tobago provides exactly the kind of playing time he needed, and coach Hong Myung-Bo will be optimistic about having one of his most important midfielders available and ready to start when South Korea's World Cup campaign begins.
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