Korea Republic eased 2-0 past last Thursday without their captain Son Heung-min, who is nursing a hamstring injury. 

Hwang Hee-chan and Eom Ji-sung were then added to the East Asian side’s injury list with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors duo Lee Seung-woo and Moon Seon-min stepping in for the Iraq encounter.

Victory on Tuesday will send Korea Republic on the cusp of reaching an 11th consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Iraq are also enjoying a good run, and remain the only team in Group B yet to concede a goal. Forward Aymen Hussein was on target in their 1-0 win over Palestine but head coach Jesus Casas is taking nothing for granted.

“We tried to prepare the players to give their best but sometimes, this is not possible. We play Korea next and in my opinion, they are favourites to top the group. 

“Irrespective of what happens on Tuesday, things will still be complicated and there are seven matches remaining. Yes, we have the advantage, but I think that things are still unclear.”

Korea Republic v Iraq
Venue: Yongin Mireu Stadium (Yongin)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+9)