Oh Se-hun Silences Doubters With First International Goal in Two Years in South Korea's Win Over Uzbekistan

Summary South Korean striker Oh Se-hun made an emphatic statement on Tuesday night, scoring his first international goal in nearly two years to help South Korea secure a 2-0 friendly win over Uzbekistan at Yongin Mireu Stadium. Coming off disappointment after missing out on selection for the North American World Cup squad, Oh seized his first starting opportunity under interim manager Robert Moreno. Entering the match, the national team faced immense pressure to rebound following a bumpy run of international friendlies—a commanding 3-0 victory against Ecuador followed by a bruising 1-4 loss to Uruguay and a frustrating scoreless draw with Venezuela. Partnering upfront in Moreno's preferred 4-4-2 setup alongside team captain Son Heung-min, Oh played 72 energetic minutes, harrying Uzbek defenders with persistent high pressing. After Son broke the deadlock with a trademark free kick in the first half, Oh doubled Korea's advantage in the 60th minute, powering home a clinical header. The goal carried deep personal significance for the Shimizu S-Pulse forward. It marked his third career international goal and his first since finding the net against Kuwait in World Cup qualifying in November 2024. Remarkably, Yongin Mireu Stadium has become a fortress of sorts for the forward, serving as the venue for both his international debut goal against Iraq in October 2024 and his latest comeback strike. Beyond the tactical triumph, Oh delighted supporters with a personal celebration. Having recently welcomed a newborn son, Oh had planned a tribute but was immediately mobbed by veteran teammates who rushed to celebrate alongside him. Urged on by his senior peers—affectionately referred to as "hyungs" in Korean team culture—Oh completed a heartfelt finger-heart gesture dedicated to his wife and newborn child. With the national team navigating a transitional era under interim Spanish leadership, Oh's commanding performance adds fierce competition to Korea's striker pecking order, proving he is ready to challenge for a permanent starting role.