'World Cup's First Red Card → Confirmed Starter Against Korea,' South Africa's Key Midfielder Says, "Hong Myung-bo's Team Is Excellent... We Will Pour Everything Into It" [World Cup On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

South Africa, the final Group Stage opponent of Hong Myung-bo's team, expressed strong determination to defeat Korea to advance to the Round of 32.

The South Korean national football team and South Africa will play the final third match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group A on the 25th at 10 a.m. (Korean time) at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

Spepellos Sitole (Tondela), a starting midfielder for South Africa, appeared at the pre-match official press conference held on the 23rd at Estadio BBVA (local time), two days before the match, reaffirming his determination to win and advance to the next round.

Sitole, who has been a key player for Tondela in the 2025–2026 Portuguese Primeira Liga, recording one goal in 26 matches, received the tournament's first red card in the opening match against Mexico and missed the match against the Czech Republic. He is expected to start in the upcoming match against Hong Myung-bo's team.

South Africa is seeking a dramatic turnaround in this final Group Stage match. Although currently sitting at the bottom of the group with one draw and one loss, they still have a chance to advance to the Round of 32 depending on the result against Korea. If they defeat Korea, they will secure at least third place in the group based on the head-to-head rule, and if the Czech Republic draws or loses to Mexico in the same match, they could advance directly to the Round of 32 as the group's second-place team.

Sitole focused on overcoming past regrets and stabilizing the team's morale. He said, "I am well aware that we did not show a good performance in the first match," adding, "But the encouragement and support I received from my teammates gave me strength. I am very grateful."

He further added, "South Africa is home to people with truly good human qualities, which is why I feel our team is very strong."

He also reaffirmed his resolve to withstand the heavy pressure of the World Cup stage and pour everything into the match. Sitole stated, "As everyone knows, the World Cup is the biggest stage in football. The intensity of the matches is very high," and emphasized, "South Africa will face an excellent team tomorrow. We know Korea's strengths and playing style. As the coach emphasized, the only thing South Africa needs to do to advance to the Round of 32 is to win the match. We will pour everything into it tomorrow."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.