Yang Min-hyuk (19, QPR) achieved his dream of playing alongside his 'idol' Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) while wearing the Taegeuk mark.

The national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), drew 1-1 against Jordan in the '2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup Asian Third Qualifiers Group B Match 8' held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 25th at 8 p.m.

South Korea, who drew both matches played at home, sits in first place (4 wins, 4 draws, 16 points) but is being pursued by second-place Jordan (3 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss, 13 points) by 3 points. South Korea's early qualification for the World Cup has also slipped away.

South Korea took the lead with a header goal by Lee Jae-sung from a corner kick delivered by Son Heung-min just 5 minutes into the first half. It seemed like South Korea was easily handling the match.

However, in the 30th minute of the first half, Almardi equalized from an attacking opportunity given by a mistake from Park Yong-woo. South Korea could no longer seize the initiative. After finishing the first half tied at 1-1, South Korea substituted Yang Min-hyuk, Yang Hyeon-jun, and Oh Se-hun in the second half to launch a full-scale offensive but could not secure a win.

At the start of the second half, Lee Dong-gyeong left the pitch and Yang Min-hyuk was substituted in. Yang Min-hyuk made his A match debut with a record of 18 years and 343 days. This ranks as the 12th youngest appearance for a national representative in Korean football history.

Yang Min-hyuk actively participated in the attack from the right side. Following the coach Hong Myung-bo's instructions, he diligently targeted the defensive backspace. Yang Min-hyuk recorded a passing success rate of 62% from 17 touches, one accurate cross, and two successful tackles. He succeeded in 3 out of 4 ball dispute situations.

After the match, Yang Min-hyuk, who met reporters in the mixed zone, had a dazed expression about his A match debut. He said, "I am happy about the debut, but I feel regret over the team's results. Joy and regret are intertwined. It was a moment to represent my country. Many fans came to support us. The atmosphere was chillingly good. I tried to enjoy myself as much as possible while playing."

What instructions did coach Hong Myung-bo give? Yang Min-hyuk said, "The coach instructed me to target the defensive backspace. The match did not go as easily as it was said. I tried to fulfill my role as much as possible. After the match, the coach said I did well. The older players also said I could do better moving forward."

Above all, the moment of playing alongside my idol Son Heung-min was unforgettable. Although we shared meals at Tottenham, Yang Min-hyuk was loaned to QPR without having played even a single match.

Yang Min-hyuk said, "Hyung-min has taken good care of me while living at Tottenham and the national team. He made me feel comfortable. With the senior players looking out for me, I could live and play more freely and comfortably. I am thankful. In the past, I felt uncomfortable because I couldn't meet (Son Heung-min). Now, since we have shared meals at Tottenham, it feels natural to call him hyung," he smiled.

Yang Min-hyuk, who showed potential in the second line, is competing with a stellar lineup of players including Yang Hyeon-jun, Lee Dong-gyeong, Eom Ji-sung, and Bae Jun-ho. There is also a possibility of being called up again for the Iraq away match in June.

Yang Min-hyuk confidently stated, "I was selected in the last call-up but was disappointed that I couldn't play. I experienced a match this time. Next time, I want to record points."

It is important to return to QPR and maintain my form. I still haven't scored my debut goal at QPR. Yang Min-hyuk said, "I think I need to return to the team and adapt to the coach's instructions."

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