Asian Cup elimination, criticism of coach selection process
The mood turned around with undefeated in 6 games in the 3rd preliminary round.
Hong Myung-bo, re-enters the 3rd preliminary round in March next year
Hong Myung-bo has completed the 2024 A-match schedule. It was a roller coaster year, from being eliminated from the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup to going undefeated in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round.
The national soccer team led by coach Hong Myung-bo drew 1-1 in the 6th game away from Group B of the North and Central America World Cup Asian 3rd qualifying round against Palestine held at the Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan on the 19th (Korean time).
In the 5th away game against Kuwait on the 14th, they won 3-1.
As a result of the November A match, Korea maintained the lead in Group B with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws).
However, the gap with second-place Iraq (11 points, 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) was narrowed to 3 points.
Nevertheless, it is encouraging that they are undefeated through six games in the third preliminary round.
This year, Korean soccer suffered greatly from the start.
Together with the golden generation, including captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Kim Min-jae (Munich), they dreamed of conquering the Asian Cup for the first time in 64 years, but were helplessly eliminated under former coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klinsmann was criticized both on and off the pitch even before the start of the tournament, and ultimately suffered a 0-2 loss to Jordan in the semifinals of the Asian Cup.
former coach Klinsmann was dismissed, but the crisis in Korean soccer continued.
Work on appointing a commander was started, led by former Chairman of the Power Strengthening Committee Jeong Hae-seong, but no progress was made.
In this process, there was a crisis in which coach Hwang Seon-hong, who was leading the Olympic team at the time, and former coach Kim Do-hoon, who previously coached professional soccer K-League 1 Ulsan HD, took over the baton temporarily.
Last July, the Korea Football Association invested nearly half a year to select coach Hong, but controversy over preferential treatment arose over the selection process led by Technical Director Lee Im-saeng.
The 3rd round of the North and Central America World Cup qualifiers, which began under coach Hong, were shaky from the start.
In the first match against Palestine held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium last September, the team ended in a 1-1 draw, and boos criticizing Coach Hong and Chairman Chung Mong-gyu poured in.
Eventually, the Football Association came under pressure from the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Hong Myung-bo was greatly shaken both on and off the field, but fortunately he got back on track.
They recorded their first victory in the 2nd game against Oman (3-1 win), and while Son Heung-min was out due to injury, they took the 3rd game against Jordan (2-0 win) and the 4th game against Iraq (3-2 win), taking the lead in Group B. was recaptured.
The two-game series away to the Middle East, which was the last international match of the year, ended somewhat disappointingly.
They easily won the 5th game against Kuwait (3-1 win), but following the 1st game, they were defeated by Palestine in the 6th game (1-1 draw).
Although the national soccer team lost its fifth consecutive win, it takes comfort in the fact that it went undefeated in six games.
After an eventful year, Hong Myung-Boho will resume the 3rd qualifying round schedule for the North and Central America World Cup in March next year.
They aim to secure early qualification for the World Cup finals in two consecutive home games against Oman and Jordan during the international match in March.
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What were the main challenges faced by Korean football in 2023, and how did the team manage to overcome them?
Title: Navigating Turbulence: An Interview with Soccer Expert on Korean Football’s Pivotal Year
Time.news Editor: Hello and welcome to our special feature on Korean football’s fascinating yet tumultuous year. Today, I am joined by Dr. Hoon Lee, a well-respected expert in sports management and Asian football. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Hoon Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here, especially with so much happening in Korean football.
Editor: We’ve witnessed a dramatic roller coaster in Korean soccer this year—starting with the disheartening elimination from the AFC Asian Cup and now progressing undefeated in the World Cup qualifiers under Coach Hong Myung-bo. How do you view this transition?
Dr. Lee: It’s been quite the journey! The Asian Cup elimination was a significant blow. With high expectations from the golden generation of players, including Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, the knockout loss to Jordan was particularly tough to swallow. However, Hong Myung-bo’s ability to guide the team undefeated through six qualifying matches shows resilience. This shift highlights both the potential and unpredictability of sports.
Editor: Speaking of expectations, the earlier part of the year saw criticism aimed at former coach Jurgen Klinsmann, particularly regarding his selection process and performance. How did the management approaches differ between Klinsmann and Hong?
Dr. Lee: Klinsmann’s tenure was indeed marred by such controversies. Many felt his strategies and selection choices didn’t resonate with the team’s dynamics, leading to frustration and ultimately poor performance. In contrast, Hong’s appointment seems to have brought a renewed sense of purpose and stability. His background as a player and a coach in both the national and international arenas has helped him form a more cohesive unit on the field.
Editor: The criticism of the coach selection process itself was also a topic of heated debate. What can you tell us about the involvement of the Korea Football Association in hiring Coach Hong, and the surrounding controversies?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely, the selection process was quite controversial, with charges of favoritism surfacing. It’s crucial for organizations to have transparent processes, especially when appointing someone to such a significant role. The long six-month period without a coach after Klinsmann’s departure created instability—a situation exacerbated by interim coaches struggling to maintain momentum. Hong’s eventual appointment, however, appears to have rallied the team, reflecting the need for decisive and clear leadership.
Editor: As we look ahead to the next year with the third preliminary round in March, what should fans be hopeful about, considering the recent performances and the evolution of the squad?
Dr. Lee: Fans have much to look forward to! The combination of continuing strong performances in the qualifiers—especially being at the top of Group B—alongside a cohesive team structure led by Hong Myung-bo puts Korean football in a hopeful position. The key will be maintaining that momentum and properly integrating the talented players, especially with pressures mounting in the upcoming rounds.
Editor: In terms of tactical adjustments or player development, do you think we’ll see significant changes going forward?
Dr. Lee: Definitely. Hong Myung-bo will likely focus on refining strategies that leverage the unique skills of his players, especially given their backgrounds in top leagues worldwide. Identifying emerging talent within the K-League and integrating them into the national setup can also foster a new wave of competition. It’s essential that he cultivates not just tactical proficiency, but also a competitive spirit within the squad.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for these insights. In a year that began with challenges and criticism, the journey of Korean football seems to be a story of resilience and hope. We look forward to exciting developments in the upcoming qualifiers and beyond!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! I share that optimism and hope to see Korean football reach new heights in 2024.