The chemistry between Lee Kang-in and Cho Kyu-sung, which began with a kiss on the cheek at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, could be the key to South Korea’s attack in China.
The South Korean national team, led by Jürgen Klinsmann, arrived in China via Shenzhen Bao’an Airport on the afternoon of the 19th for their second Group C match against China at the 2026 North American Football Championship Asia Second Qualifying Round at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center on the 21st at 9 p.m. KST.
Upon arrival in China, the Korean National Team went to their accommodation and held a light training session to recover from the last match against Singapore and to prepare for the match against China. The importance and significance of this match has increased as Korea hopes to follow up their big win in Singapore with a victory in China, while also trying to erase the memory of their disappointing loss in China six years ago.
However, Klinsmann will have his work cut out for him against the Chinese, who will play a tough and dense defense. South Korea also won 5-0 in Singapore last time out, but they struggled to find the back of the net until the final minutes of the first half.
One of the keys to solving the problem is the chemistry between Cho Kyu-sung and Lee Kang-in. Their chemistry has already been proven. It started in the second round of the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With South Korea trailing 0-2, Lee Kang-in, who came on as a substitute early in the second half, sent in a left-footed cross that Cho Kyu-sung rose above the defense inside the penalty box to finish with a header that rattled the Ghanaian net.
The two players showed fantastic chemistry, and after the victory over Portugal to secure a spot in the round of 16, Cho Kyu-sung was seen kissing Lee on the cheek in celebration. 무지개토토
Even after Klinsmann’s arrival, the duo’s partnership has remained an important part of South Korea’s attack. Lee Kang-in’s sharp crosses into the box would be met by Cho Kyu-sung, who would work diligently to connect with the header, rattling the opposition. Some have compared the pair’s chemistry to that of Lee’s former Mallorca partner, Bedat Murki. However, after the World Cup, it was disappointing to see the duo fail to produce results.