American sports channel ESPN believes the results in Ghana-South Korea clash could have been different if Lee Kang had played the entire game.
The West African powerhouse earned an important 3-2 win over South Korea to boost their chances of progressing to the round of 16.
The Black Stars must avoid defeat to secure qualification to the knockout phase at the mundial.
Ghana took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and Ajax's Mohammed Kudus.
However, Ghana fans' raucous celebrations at halftime were dampened by South Korea's comeback after the break.
Cho Kyu-sung, the top scorer in his domestic league, levelled the game after 61 minutes with two stunning headers in three minutes.
The Koreans enjoyed a good second half after introducing Lee Kang, who changed the face of the game.
But Ghana's impressive Kudus added a final twist by thumping in a third goal to break South Korea's hearts.
According to ESPN, the results could have been different if Lee Kang had played the entire duration.
The media said, “Lee Kang-in posted a great cross from the left less than a minute after entering, and Cho Kyu-seong scored a comeback goal without a mistake.” It's amazing,” he said.
“Every time the Taegeuk Warriors regained possession, the players first looked for Lee Kang-in to start the attack. Every ball Lee Kang-in sent into the box caused fear in the Ghanaian defense, and Lee Kang-in's movement gave Son Heung-min more space.”
The media continued, “Lee Kang-in definitely showed his skills and proved that he could do the same on the World Cup stage. In Friday's must-win game against Portugal, Lee Kang-in can prove the difference. The biggest question is whether or not Lee Kang-in is given 90 minutes to do so.”
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in said in an interview after the game, "It is the coach's decision to play as a starter or not. I have 100% confidence in the director's decision. If I get a chance to play, I will help the team as much as possible.”
South Korea will take on Portugal on Friday and will hope to beat the European giants to boost their chances of qualifying, depending on results in Ghana-Uruguay clash.