'WC 4-quarter experience' Song Jong-koo on the 'three keys' of Hong Myung-bo's team... three-back communication, three-color tailored tactics, and the 'chilling 20 minutes against Czech Republic' [★World Cup Insight Song Jong-koo ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

The 2026 FIFA North America World Cup final stage is now just around the corner. The final two World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador played by the Choi Geun (CEO) team were mock exams that simultaneously revealed the current state and areas for improvement of the Woo Ri (CEO) team.

The biggest takeaway is undoubtedly the scoreless matches. Regardless of the opponent's strength, conceding no goals in two consecutive matches is a positive indicator that instills confidence in the entire defensive line. However, with the finals approaching, the fact that Coach Hong Myung-bo made as many as 7 to 8 changes to the starting lineup to check various resources must now be converted into 'organizational cohesion.'

Broad player utilization ahead of a major tournament is a good test to assess players' abilities. However, it is also necessary for key players to consistently synchronize and solidify the team's core structure.

The core theme of the Hyeon Jae (CEO) team's defensive tactics is the perfection of the 'three-back' system. Despite the national team sticking to a four-back formation for a long period, why did they attempt a shift to a three-back? It appears to be a practical choice driven by concerns about wide-area defense and the need to reduce the defensive burden on wingers. On a major stage like the World Cup, defensive stability is paramount, so forming a five-back during defense could be a strong card.

However, for the three-back to exert its power, organic coordination among players is essential. The current defensive line shows some shortcomings in dealing with open spaces on the flanks. When central defenders such as Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Lee Ki-hyuk (Kangwon), and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland) advance to block the ball, the promised cover play by the wing-backs or midfielders to immediately fill the gaps must become more precise.

The reason we achieved great success with a three-back system during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, reaching the semi-finals, was the organizational strength built through a year-and-a-half of intensive training camps. In today's environment, where many players are based in Europe and the call-up period is short, we must fill the gaps through active communication both inside and outside the training ground during the remaining time.

The Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa, whom the Woo Ri (CEO) team will face in the group stage, each possess unique and dangerous weapons. To advance to the round of 16, the opponents must be thoroughly understood.

First, the Czech Republic's 'defensive-first counter-attack' tactic, backed by an overwhelming physical presence with an average height of 190cm, is fierce. To break through their compact defense, bold shooting must be employed from the start. When the opponent advances, the slow spaces created behind them must be exploited by fast players like Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan to collapse their defense within the first 30 minutes, making the game easier to manage.

The most difficult opponent is Mexico, whose strength is so solid that merely securing a draw is considered a success. They possess individual skills, toughness, and an incredible work rate averaging 12km per match, leaving almost no weaknesses. Rather than rashly countering strong teams, they must calmly drop their defensive line, wait, and exploit any gaps.

The final opponent, South Africa, must also never be underestimated. Like the South Korean national team in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, they are equipped with the unique tight defensive organization of players from their domestic league and fierce counter-attacks. South Africa is likely to meet us with two losses already on their record. Against South Africa, who will come out with a fierce spirit from the brink of elimination, even a moment of complacency could make victory uncertain.

Now, all focus is directed toward the first group stage match against the Czech Republic. The success or failure of a tournament essentially depends on how the first match is handled.

The pressure of the World Cup stage is beyond imagination. Even players who have excelled with their club teams will stiffen and become nervous when making their World Cup debut. There is a past experience from the 2006 Germany World Cup first match (against Togo) where young players were nervous throughout the first half and struggled considerably.

Therefore, the first 20 minutes of the first half in the opening match will be the most critical time determining group stage results. During this period, rather than rashly countering a stronger opponent, a practical approach that sheds tension through defensive organization is needed.

The individual skills and potential of the Hyeon Jae (CEO) team players are excellent compared to any previous national team. As a senior and as a member of the football community, I sincerely wish that they will overcome the 'chilling 20 minutes' well in the upcoming first match of the finals and once again bring hot excitement to the people of the Republic of Korea. Go South Korea National Team!

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*This content was translated by AI.