Park Ji-sung on South Korea's World Cup bold remarks: "No certainty on 'what tactics to use and how'"

*This content was translated by AI.

With the opening of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup just two days away, 'Korean football legend' Park Ji-sung expressed regret over the South Korean national team's 'lack of clear tactics'.

Park Ji-sung, who appeared on JTBC Sports' 'Bbaebak Monthly Class Show' released on the 8th alongside Koo Ja-cheol, Ki Sung-yueng (Pohang Steelers), Park Ju-ho, and others, stated, "It is true that the best players were selected for the final World Cup roster, but there is no certainty from the coaching staff, including head coach Hong Myung-bo, on 'what tactics to use and how to play'."

Park Ji-sung added, "Ultimately, if there is certainty on 'what tactics to use and how to play the match,' it will not be a major issue. I think the most important task is how much we can elevate ourselves during the remaining period to face the tournament."

Koo Ja-cheol also voiced similar concerns. He remarked, "It is the players' role to play within the framework set by the coaching staff," and advised, "The national team coaching staff must truly prepare well on how to form combinations and what game plan to adopt."

Ki Sung-yueng also commented, "The roster itself is fine. The balance, including the mix of new and experienced players, is good," but pointed out, "The continuity of the best (starting) members is a bit disappointing. They keep changing, and the tactics change as well, which creates some anxiety."

He further added, "Regarding midfielders, when Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) is not in his best condition, who can replace him? I think there could be some issues there as well."

Regarding the Group A first-round match against the Czech Republic, to be held at the Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, at 10 a.m. (Korean time) on the 12th, concerns were first raised about the opponent's height.

According to FIFA, the Czech Republic national team's average height reaches 185.7 cm (South Korea 181.9 cm), and in particular, striker Tomas Horak (Slavia Prague) stands at an impressive 199 cm.

Park Ji-sung analyzed, "The opposing number 10 (Sick) is in such good form that he deserves to be called the ace. Also, among the young players, there is one who is about 2 meters tall. When that player comes in, we must prepare well on how to contest aerial balls."

Ki Sung-yueng also expressed concern, "Looking back at the 2018 Russia World Cup match against Sweden, whenever set-piece situations arose, we were too anxious. Whether it was a corner kick or a free kick, it was too worrying. If four players over 190 cm come in during the Czech match in set-piece situations, the intimidation will be strong. If we concede the first goal from that, we will inevitably struggle from then on."

On the other hand, there were also predictions that the Czech defense line could be sufficiently exploited. Park Ji-sung stated, "The left center-back of the Czech three-back system is fine, but the remaining central or right center-backs lack agility. They are vulnerable to movements into the space behind. Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) have speed and penetration ability, so I expect them to have a good game."

Park Ju-ho commented on the group draw, which placed South Korea in a group with the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa, saying, "I don't know how to define it. I think this is a group where South Korea can aim for first place. At the same time, if we prepare carelessly, a 'disaster' could occur where we simply fall to fourth place. In one word, it is a truly World Cup group draw that cannot be defined."

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*This content was translated by AI.