'12 years ago, World Cup 0 wins, elimination' — humiliation confronted head-on... Coach Hong Myung-bo: "Restoring my personal honor is not important" [World Cup On-Site Issues]

*This content was translated by AI.

Coach Hong Myung-bo firmly drew a line against public expectations that he should restore his honor by avenging his failure at the World Cup 12 years ago. It is a cold determination to focus solely on the upcoming victory against South Africa rather than dwelling on personal past or nostalgia.

The South Korean national football team led by Coach Hong Myung-bo will play the final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup against South Africa at 10 a.m. (Korean time) on the 25th at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

Currently ranked second in the group with one win and one loss (3 points), South Korea will qualify for the Round of 32 on its own with just a draw. This is a somewhat advantageous position compared to past World Cup third-round matches where a win was always mandatory.

However, Coach Hong warned that this situation could even be a poison. In an official press conference held the day before the match, he said, "If the players approach the game with the complacent thought that they will advance just by drawing, they could instead face great difficulties." He emphasized his will to win, stating, "We will prepare for the match with the mindset of not giving up and definitely winning."

There was no wavering at all despite painful past memories. When asked if this was an opportunity to shed the regret of being eliminated in the group stage with one draw and two losses at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Coach Hong placed greater emphasis on his responsibility as the team's commander.

Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "It is now 2026. I am taking on a new challenge with the current players." He added, "The past is not important. Avenging past failures or restoring personal honor is also not important."

He continued, "I will do my best in the role I have been given, and whatever the result, I will take responsibility as a coach. I have never thought about what the World Cup means to me personally, nor is it important." He expressed that he is solely focused on the team's victory.

He also announced changes to the lineup for the decisive match. Coach Hong, who made no major changes to the starting lineup in the previous first and second matches, stated, "Considering the team's tactical flexibility and the players' physical condition, there will be changes in the starting lineup for two or three positions."

He declared a direct confrontation with the scorching heat and high humidity in Monterrey, where temperatures approach a high of 32 degrees Celsius. Coach Hong said, "The environment is completely different from Guadalajara, and the players may find it difficult, but we have been aware of Monterrey's weather in advance and have prepared thoroughly." He confidently added, "Players may feel the heat, but there should be no major problems with their performance."

According to the Korea Football Association, more than 2,000 Korean fans, including 510 Red Devils and about 1,500 overseas Koreans, are expected to attend the match against South Africa. Regarding the support from the Korean community in Monterrey and local fans, Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "I am grateful that Mexican fans cheered for South Korea even during the Czech Republic match, and I understand that there are many Korean companies and overseas Koreans in this Monterrey." He added, "Being able to fight with the energy of a home ground is a tremendous gift for the players. We will make good use of this advantage and show a good match."

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*This content was translated by AI.