Ko Itakura on track for World Cup qualification, Dong-gyeong Lee already through

It was a successful Tuesday (1/2) for our two Royal Blues taking part in World Cup qualifying. Ko Itakura and new signing Dong-gyeong Lee were both victorious with their respective national teams. The final details of Lee’s transfer have also been resolved, meaning he is now officially part of the club.

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01.02.22, 17:01

Ko Itakura

Ko Itakura and Japan remain on track to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, having beaten group leaders Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the Asian section of qualifying. Schalke’s number 3 was part of the starting XI and played the full 90 minutes, as he did in the 2-0 win against China last week. Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino (32’) and Genk’s Junya Ito (50’) scored for the Samurai Blues.

With 18 points from eight games, Japan are currently in second place in Group B and are a point behind first place. A win against Australia on 24th March would see them seal qualification for the World Cup in their penultimate qualifying match.

Final details of Dong-gyeong Lee’s transfer resolved

South Korea, meanwhile, have already booked their tickets to the World Cup. The 2002 hosts beat Syria 2-0 on matchday 8 in Group A, thanks to goals from Jin-Su Kim (53’) and Chang-Hoon Kwon (71’). Schalke’s new signing Lee was an unused substitute. South Korea currently have 20 points from eight games, and have therefore qualified for Qatar.

The final details of Lee’s transfer to the Royal Blues have also been resolved, after the club announced the signing, subject to approval from the relevant authorities. The 24-year-old had flown from Dubai to Germany to undergo a medical and sign his contract with S04. Shortly after, Lee got on another flight back to Dubai for today’s match. The attacker will wear the No. 14 shirt for Schalke.

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