'Crab' Lee Young-pyo predicts: "South Korea 1 win, 2 draws → advance to Round of 32"... First goal scorer is Oh Hyeon-gyu

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Young-pyo (49), a KBS commentator known as the "Human Octopus" and "Crab Commentator," predicted that the South Korean national football team will advance to the Round of 32.

Appearing on KBS's "9 o'clock News" broadcast on the 12th, Committee Member Lee Young-pyo predicted regarding the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup results of the South Korean national team led by coach Hong Myung-bo: "Will they not advance to the Round of 32 with one win and two draws in the group stage, finishing second in their group?"

Returning to the World Cup commentary team for the first time in eight years, Committee Member Lee Young-pyo forecasted that South Korea would win their opening match against the Czech Republic and draw against the host nation Mexico and the final opponent, South Africa.

Regarding the match against the Czech Republic, Committee Member Lee Young-pyo analyzed, "Based on the European playoff roster criteria, the opposing team has five players over 190cm," adding, "I think we need to build a strong defensive organization for set-piece situations."

He identified striker Oh Hyeon-gyu (25, Besiktas) as the likely first goal scorer for South Korea. Committee Member Lee Young-pyo praised him, saying, "Oh Hyeon-gyu is the first name that comes to mind," and added, "He is showing the sharpest scoring ability, positioning, and shooting skills."

Oh Hyeon-gyu, who transferred to Besiktas (Turkey) through the winter transfer market, has shown explosive form since joining the team, recording six goals and one assist in 13 league matches. In the first half of the season while playing for his former club KRC Genk, he also recorded six goals and three assists in 20 Belgian league matches.

A definitive starting striker for Coach Hong's team has not yet been decided. Judging by current form, Oh Hyeon-gyu has a high probability of securing the starting position.

Additionally, Committee Member Lee Young-pyo selected Harry Kane (33, Bayern Munich) as the likely World Cup top scorer. He explained, "If England reaches the semi-finals, I think it will be Harry Kane."

Regarding his return to commentary, he conveyed his resolve: "I will connect the local stadiums and viewers' living rooms in a direct and honest manner," and "I will be as honest as possible to deliver the most vivid and moving commentary."

Meanwhile, Coach Hong's team is in Group A of the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup along with the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa. They will play their first group stage match against the Czech Republic at 11 a.m. next month on the 12th, followed by a match against host nation Mexico at 10 a.m. on the 19th. On the 25th at 10 a.m., they will play their final group stage match against South Africa.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.