"Korean football has not developed," Japanese media shockingly criticizes... Hong Myung-bo's three-back system also "lacks maturity"

*This content was translated by AI.

A Japanese local media outlet delivered a cold assessment of the South Korean national football team.

On the 17th (Korean time), Football Channel stated, "South Korea has qualified for the World Cup for the 12th time in its history and for the 11th consecutive tournament. However, unlike 'rival' Japan, there has been no clear growth since the 2022 Qatar World Cup." The outlet pointed out, "Jurgen Klinsmann, who took over as coach in 2023, was dismissed in just one year. Hong Myung-bo, who took charge in 2024, also cannot be seen as having achieved significantly improved results."

The media also singled out South Korea's disappointing A-match results. Under coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea suffered a 0-5 heavy defeat against Brazil last October and lost both matches against Ivory Coast and Austria held in March this year. The outlet explained, "Even Korean media are quite anxious ahead of the World Cup finals."

Views on coach Hong Myung-bo were also not positive. Football Channel noted, "Coach Hong Myung-bo is a Korean legend who played in the J-League," but added, "Hong Myung-bo took charge of the South Korean national team for the second time in 2024. He has attempted a three-back system since the Asian final qualifiers for the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. However, his tactical maturity is still lacking, as evidenced by defeats against Brazil and in two A-matches last March. Consequently, strong voices of criticism are emerging even within South Korea."

When identifying South Korea's key players, the outlet naturally pointed to 'ace' Son Heung-min (LAFC), along with Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain). Regarding Son Heung-min, the outlet said, "He is a Korean superstar who needs no introduction. Although he has left the European stage, his performance in the United States is astonishing. He continues to create differences in attack." It further praised, "While his speed may have declined compared to his prime, his accurate and powerful shooting from both feet remains intact. He possesses the ability to definitively finish a single chance, meaning defenders cannot afford to let their guard down for even a moment."

It continued, "Kim Min-jae is a defender playing for Germany's strongest team, Munich. Despite his considerable physique, he has immense confidence in man-to-man defending and possesses speed that is hard to imagine. He is at a high level as a center-back in modern football. However, he has recently shown mistakes leading to goals and has become the target of criticism on several occasions."

It then stated, "Lee Kang-in is a left-footed player known as 'South Korea's treasure.' He has experience playing in Spain and possesses very high technical skills. While he is not a style that constantly dribbles past opponents, he is a chance creator who generates decisive opportunities with accurate passes from his left foot." The outlet added, "He contributes more to the South Korean national team than just scoring goals. At his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he has experienced winning the league and the UEFA Champions League."

Amid various assessments, Football Channel rated South Korea's chances of reaching the World Cup tournament stage highly. South Korea recorded six wins and four draws (22 points) in the Asian final qualifiers and secured first place in Group B. In next month's North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup, they were drawn into Group A along with 'host nation' Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia. It is a group draw that offers a realistic chance to aim for the Round of 32. The media also focused on this aspect.

Football Channel predicted, "South Korea's group stage opponents are Czechia, Mexico, and South Africa. They are not grouped with powerhouse teams, making it a relatively fortunate draw." It added, "Considering their position as Pot 2, advancing to the Round of 32 is highly likely."

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*This content was translated by AI.