Korea secure Qatar World Cup ticket with 2-0 win against Syria

Kim Jin-su celebrates after scoring Korea's first goal against Syria on Tuesday at Rashid Stadium in Dubai. [YONHAP]

Korea beat Syria 2-0 at Rashid Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday, earning a ticket to the 2022 Qatar World Cup with two qualifiers still to play.

With the win, Korea have now reached every World Cup since 1986, a run of 10 consecutive tournaments.

On Tuesday, world No. 86 Syria still proved a serious threat to No. 33 Korea, appearing to score just 10 minutes into the match with a well-executed set piece, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR review.

Then just 15 minutes later with Korea still struggling to get into the game, the Syrian offense found a loose ball from a mistake in Korea’s defense and very nearly got it past the goalkeeper, only just missing the post.

The first half ended with neither side able to get anything across. It was an inefficient first half for Korea as they could not convert despite possessing 80 percent of the ball and having a much higher pass success rate. Korea had eight shots to Syria’s two.

As soon as the second half started, Paik Seung-ho had a direct free kick from outside the box, with the Syrian goalkeeper just able to catch the well-placed shot. That free kick may not have led to a goal, but it seemed to turn the tide for Korea.

Korea found their first goal eight minutes into the second half as Kim Jin-su headed in Kim Tae-hwan’s cross. Kim Jin-su now has two international goals, both headers at Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

Kwon Chang-hoon, who was substituted in for Jeong Woo-yeong at half time, found his chance in the 81st minute, meeting the back of the net with a midrange screamer, marking his third goal in his last four appearances with the Taeguk Warriors.

“We all thought we needed to come together as one to be able to advance to the World Cup,” said Kwon after the match.

“It was only possible because we did it together as one, we are happy for now.”

Alongside Korea, Iran also earned their spot at the Qatar World Cup, beating the United Arab Emirates 1-0 on Tuesday. Iran top the group with 22 points, followed by Korea with 20 points. The UAE trails 11 points behind.

With the top two teams advancing straight to the World Cup, Korea and Iran will play in Qatar regardless of their final two match results.

Korea have two matches left to play in the third leg of qualifiers against Iran on March 24 and against the United Arab Emirates on March 29.

BY YUN SO-HYANG [yun.sohyang@joongang.co.kr]