In a highly anticipated clash in the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers, Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team on September 10, 2024. Held at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane, this Group A match had both teams eager to secure valuable points on their road to World Cup qualification. The match lived up to expectations with an intense 2-2 draw, as both teams displayed grit, skill, and determination.
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team Head to Head Overview
This was a crucial meeting in the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers. Qatar, known for their technical prowess and organized football, was up against the disciplined and physically robust Korea DPR. Both teams had previously clashed in various international tournaments, with Qatar generally holding a slight edge. However, Korea DPR was determined to challenge the odds on this occasion.
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team Lineups and Substitutions
Korea DPR National Football Team (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: KANG Ju Hyok
- Defenders: JANG Kuk Chol (C), KIM Pom Hyok, CHOE Ok Chol, KIM Yu Song
- Midfielders: RI Il Song, KANG Kuk Chol, PAEK Chung Song, KIM Kuk Bom
- Forwards: RI Jo Guk, HAN Kwang Song
Substitutes:
CHOE Ju Song (82′), KIM Kuk Jin (50′), JONG Kum Song (32′)
Unused Substitutes: SIN Tae Song, YU Kwang Jun, KIM Jin Hyok, KYE Tam, RI Hun, JONG Il Gwan, RI Un Chol, KIM Song Hye, PAK Kwang Hun
Qatar National Football Team (3-5-1-1)
- Goalkeeper: MESHAAL BARSHAM
- Defenders: PEDRO MIGUEL, Lucas Mendes, TAREK SALMAN
- Midfielders: JASSEM GABER, EDMILSON JUNIOR, AKRAM AFIF (C), Abdulla Badr AL YAZIDI, Ibrahim MOHAMMAD ALI
- Forwards: ALMOEZ ALI
Substitutes:
MOHAMMED WAAD (69′), EDMILSON JUNIOR (74′), AHMED ALRAWI (45′), ABDELRAHMAN MOUSTAFA (38′)
Unused Substitutes: SAAD ALSHEEB, SALAH Z
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team First Half: Fierce Competition
The game kicked off at 17:30 with both teams pushing for an early advantage. In the 19th minute, Korea DPR struck first with a goal from RI Il Song, sending the fans into a frenzy. Qatar responded swiftly and decisively when AKRAM AFIF scored a penalty in the 31st minute, leveling the match at 1-1. However, it was not long before ALMOEZ ALI took advantage of a defensive lapse, giving Qatar the lead at 2-1 with a brilliant finish just before halftime in the 44th minute.
First Half Stats:
| Team | Goals | Shots on Target | Possession | Fouls | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| Korea DPR | 1 | 4 | 48% | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Qatar | 2 | 5 | 52% | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team Second Half: A Battle for Redemption
Korea DPR came out of the break with renewed vigor. In the 51st minute, KANG Kuk Chol found the back of the net, restoring parity at 2-2. Both teams fought tooth and nail, with Qatar’s ALMOEZ ALI and Korea DPR’s defense showcasing their strengths. The remainder of the match saw both sides create numerous chances, but neither could find a breakthrough despite intense pressure. Late in the game, Korea DPR’s RI Il Song received a yellow card in the 90+5′ minute, ending the match on a tense note.
Second Half Stats:
| Team | Goals | Shots on Target | Possession | Fouls | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| Korea DPR | 1 | 6 | 49% | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Qatar | 0 | 4 | 51% | 7 | 1 | 0 |
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team Timeline of Key Events
- 19′: Goal! Korea DPR’s RI Il Song scores (1-0).
- 31′: Penalty goal by Qatar’s AKRAM AFIF (1-1).
- 44′: Goal! Qatar’s ALMOEZ ALI puts them ahead (1-2).
- 51′: Equalizer! Korea DPR’s KANG Kuk Chol makes it 2-2.
- 90+5′: Yellow card for Korea DPR’s RI Il Song.
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team Stats
| Korea DPR vs Qatar Stats | Korea DPR | Qatar |
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Possession (%) | 49 | 51 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 6 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Fouls | 15 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
Korea DPR National Football Team faced Qatar National Football Team Match Impact on Group A Standings
This 2-2 draw leaves both Korea DPR and Qatar in a challenging position as the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers continue. With the Group A standings tightening, each point is crucial. Qatar remains slightly ahead on points, but Korea DPR’s impressive performance has kept them in contention for qualification.
Man of the Match
ALMOEZ ALI (Qatar) was the standout player, not only for his goal but also for his relentless work ethic and attempts to break down Korea DPR’s defense. His ability to lead the attack and constantly threaten the opposing goal earned him the “Man of the Match” honor.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers match between Korea DPR National Football Team and Qatar National Football Team was a thrilling encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw. Both teams showcased their talents, and while neither emerged victorious, the match was a testament to the high level of competition in the AFC Qualifiers. As the road to the FIFA World Cup 26™ continues, both Korea DPR and Qatar will need to capitalize on their strengths and work on their weaknesses to secure qualification.
