“External forces” are still shaking. There was a regret in this year’s last A-match.
However, national team coach Hong Myung-bo and other national team players including Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) are enduring. They are also close to making it to the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time.
Team Korea led by Coach Hong Myung-bo has completed its journey this year. Overseas Korean players have returned to their teams, and Coach Hong and other K-League players returned to Korea on Monday. The third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup will resume in March next year. South Korea will hold two consecutive home matches against Oman and Jordan. If South Korea wins two consecutive games, it can secure early advancement to the World Cup.
Starting with the North-China World Cup, the number of countries that advance to the finals will increase from 32 to 48. 8.5 tickets have also been allocated to Asia, up four from 4.5. In the third qualifying round, the first and second places in each group will win the ticket to the World Cup finals. The third and fourth places will go to the fourth qualifying round, while the fifth and sixth places will be eliminated.
Hong, who returned to the national team in July for the first time in 10 years, has led six matches and has no loss. Korea is ranked first in Group B with 14 points (four wins, two draws). Iraq is ranked second with 11 points (three wins, two draws, one loss) and Jordan with nine points (two wins, three draws, one loss).
In an interview at Incheon International Airport, Hong said, “The two consecutive games were away games, and although we prepared in our own way, we expected it to be difficult. It would have been nice to get a result in the last game, but we are a little disappointed that we did not get a result, but what our players prepared for this two consecutive games came out well. Of course, we still have some shortcomings, but we need to prepare better in March next year.”
In November, Team Korea had one win and one draw in two consecutive A matches. The team had a 3-1 victory in the fifth match against Kuwait, but tied the match 1-1 in the sixth match against Palestine. “I regret that I failed to break the dense defense again. There is a way to break it, but it takes time to find it,” Hong said. Looking back, there are still some scenes that I felt regretful about. To be honest, I also feel regretful about losing points. We also have to overcome those areas. We need to make thorough preparations going forward.”
“After I resigned, I focused on one thing: passing the World Cup qualifying round. I’m not thinking about anything else,” he said. In other words, he can’t afford to be distracted by people around him.
Lee had four goals and three assists in six matches in the second qualifying round. However, he had only one assist in the third qualifying round. It may be frustrating, but Lee remains calm. “I believe that some day we will have goals and assists. However, winning our team is more important than that. I am focusing on those areas.”
Coach Hong also said, “Lee Kang-in is a very important player for our team. He can play better only when he recovers. He is not directly involved in the goal right now, but on the contrary, he is receiving a lot of attention. That is the way to aim for the back space,” adding, “Of course, it would be nice if Lee Kang-in scored a goal or gave an assist, but I tried using the back space after Lee Kang-in blocked the opponent, and I am looking for such a way. Of course, if Lee Kang-in is directly involved in the goal, I think his team will improve. However, I have talked with Lee Kang-in, but I am not in a hurry. I think we need to find a better way.”
Kim Min-jae also actively defended it. In the match against Palestine, Kim Min-jae’s back pass mistake, which Korean soccer boasts, served as an excuse for the loss. Kim Min-jae’s pass was too short, and goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo rushed out, but he couldn’t put out the fire.
“I told him I was sorry for playing too much,” Hong said after smiling. “I said it was his mistake, but it’s a common mistake. Kim Min-jae is working hard for the team even in a very difficult situation. It’s a mistake that can come from a defender’s point of view, but he needs to quickly clean up and go back to the team to play. I hope he shows good performances. I made a mistake, but there are many more positive things that I have shown for the team. Kim Min-jae will continue to play an important role.”
Hong also said, “It was a tough journey. The players overcame it well. It was a difficult situation, and considering the time difference, condition, injury and so on, I think I endured it well because the players came to the team.” 토토사이트
Of course, we still have a long way to go. “We will have to make up for our shortcomings. The same goes for set play. However, the biggest problem is the time. I think we have improved a little bit now compared to when we first started. We have improved in communicating with each other. However, we are not good enough now to have a stronger opponent. I think we have made a lot of progress in defense organization compared to the time. I think we need to supplement more in order to go up to a higher level than now,” Hong said.
“Our players have played six games since September, and although it wasn’t a lot of time, they showed a very good attitude toward training and games. I didn’t order anything from the players as I was in charge of the team, but I clearly know what roles and what our players should play in their positions. I’ve seen a lot of positive things,” he said. “It’s also positive that the scoring route has diversified, not just one player. In terms of organization, we can’t divide offense and defense compared to training sessions, but I think we played while maintaining a good balance overall.”
March next year will be another challenge. “Players’ composition is very important. We need to closely monitor our performance as the K-League has just started in March next year. Players are in a difficult time physically in Europe. We also need to closely monitor those areas,” Hong said.
