2022 WCQ: S. Korea, Iran to Lock Horns for Top Spot in Group A
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Top spot in Group A is on the line when familiar foes, South Korea and Iran, will lock horns on Matchday Nine of the 2022 World Cup qualifier at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday.
Both teams have already secured their places having wrapped up the first two places.
The Iranians currently sit two points above the Taeguk Warriors with two games to play and if they avoid defeat in the Korean capital, Team Melli will go into its final fixture against Lebanon in Mashhad as firm favourite to progress as group winner.
Iran and Korea last faced off on Matchday Four at Azadi Stadium and there was little to separate the sides as they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s leveller cancelling out Son Heung-min’s opener.
Another successful qualifying campaign has seen the Iranians advance to the global showpiece for the sixth time, and third in a row, while Korea’s record is among the best in world football as they have now reached an incredible 10 successive FIFA World Cups.
Ahead of the latest battle in the rivalry, Iran has been dealt a triple blow with captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi and Saman Ghoddos, all ruled out of Dragan Skocic’s squad through COVID-19.
The game marks Korea’s final home match in Group A as it travels to Dubai to take on the United Arab Emirates on March 29, when Iran will bring the curtain down on its campaign at home to Lebanon.