Taking the baton again after 10 years… Recording 1 win and 1 draw in the 3rd World Cup qualifier
Hong Myung-bo (55), head coach of the Korean national soccer team, expressed his confidence in an interview with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), saying, “I am certain that the Korean national soccer team will become one of the best teams in Asia.”
On the 20th (Korean time), FIFA released an interview with Coach Hong, in which he shared his thoughts on taking charge of the national team again and his determination to take on the 2026 FIFA North & Central America World Cup Asian 3rd qualifying round.
Coach Hong took charge of the national team again after 10 years since the 2014 Brazil World Cup. He said, “The environment surrounding the national team is not unfamiliar, but it has changed a lot. Now, I will take on a new challenge with a new team and new staff.”
Coach Hong is a ‘charismatic’ leader who emphasizes Korean characteristics such as the ‘one team’ strong team culture. He stated his philosophy that “the world of soccer is changing rapidly, but it is much more important to establish our own soccer philosophy and stick to it than to keep up with the changes.” He emphasized that “that philosophy includes not only technical aspects but also mental and cultural aspects.”
Hong Myung-bo’s team recorded 1 win and 1 draw (4 points) in the first and second matches of the 2026 World Cup Asian 3rd qualifying round held in September, with a 0-0 draw against Palestine and a 3-1 victory against Oman.
Although they were criticized for drawing with Palestine at home, they put out the ‘urgent fire’ for now with a win in the difficult away game against Oman.
“It’s not always easy to qualify for the World Cup, and away games in the Middle East are always tricky,” said coach Hong. “But I’m confident we’ll be one of the best teams in Asia.”
Korea is receiving favorable reviews for its ‘unprecedented’ strength, with key players such as captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) all playing in major European leagues.
Coach Hong expressed his pride in his students by saying, “Our players have solid weapons that can compete not only in Asia but also globally,” and then shared his plan, saying, “Therefore, instead of focusing on small things, we will help the players prepare well for the game in an appropriate environment based on Korea’s unique soccer culture.”
Meanwhile, Hong Myung-bo will continue the World Cup 3rd round qualifier schedule with the 3rd and 4th matches against Jordan (away) on October 10th and Iraq (home) on the 15th.
(Seoul = News 1)
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2024-09-21 09:40:15