'A heartbreaking narrow defeat against Mexico,' Coach Hong Myung-bo: "No need to bow our heads... South Korea held the initiative" [World Cup On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, was not discouraged despite the first defeat.

The South Korean national team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo, suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Mexico in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup held at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the morning of the 19th (Korea time).

South Korea, unable to maintain the momentum from their 2-1 victory over Czechia in the first match, remained at three points. Meanwhile, Mexico, which secured back-to-back wins following their opening match (six points), early secured first place in Group A and a spot in the Round of 32. South Korea maintained second place in the group for now, surpassing Czechia and South Africa, who both drew 1-1 on the same day (one point each), but the outcome of their bid for the Round of 32 will be decided in the final match against South Africa.

In a post-match press conference, Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "The result is truly disappointing," adding, "While there were clear shortcomings in certain moments, the aspects the players practiced during their preparation were sufficiently implemented on the field."

He continued, "Overall, I believe the players fought well. Although conceding the first goal was regrettable, they gave their all until the final moment," offering words of encouragement to the players.

Questions followed regarding the painful goal conceded in the fifth minute of the second half that decided the match. It was a scene where central defender Lee Ki-hyuk and goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu became entangled while handling an aerial ball, allowing Lomo to score.

When asked by reporters if communication issues arose due to the cheers of the Mexican home fans, Coach Hong Myung-bo responded, "It is difficult to accurately determine how the on-field calls were made. We have not yet had a detailed conversation with the players in the locker room," and added, "It seems a mistake occurred because the signals did not match at a moment when players were passing the ball back and forth."

Regarding the tactical response to calmly regaining the flow despite yielding the initiative early in the match, he explained, "We expected Mexico to aggressively push from the start of the first half, taking advantage of their home field as the host nation. I emphasized to the players that even if they lose possession, the most important thing is where they lose the ball."

He further stated, "I judged that if the ball is stolen from a key position favorable to the opponent, allowing a quick counter-attack, the defense would become extremely vulnerable. I urged them to hold out without conceding a goal at least until the 20th minute of the first half, and the players successfully defended this mission in an organized manner."

In fact, after overcoming the crisis, South Korea took the initiative of the match, led by Lee Kang-in's playmaking. Coach Hong Myung-bo recalled, "From the middle of the first half onwards, the rhythm of the game gradually shifted toward South Korea, and we were able to control the midfield pressure and overall initiative."

Although they lost due to an error, he did not forget to offer encouragement that it was too early to be disappointed. Coach Hong said, "The result is very disappointing, but we still have one more match left. The players have no need to bow their heads at all. We will prepare well for the remaining group stage matches," vowing a comeback.

Coach Hong's focus now turns to the third match against South Africa. He said, "I watched South Africa's match," adding, "The fact that South Africa's key resources are suspended due to accumulated yellow cards is not important to South Korea. On the contrary, such external factors could become a poison that disrupts our players' tension and fighting spirit," maintaining his vigilance.

Coach Hong continued, "We will completely exclude such variables from our minds and focus solely on our own performance for the remaining period. After analyzing South Africa's last two matches, I found their transition speed between offense and defense to be extremely fast and threatening. We must prepare thoroughly. In the next match, we will come out with better organization," he announced.

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*This content was translated by AI.