Park Ji-sung, former coach Hong Myung-bo's tactics criticized: "Was this match really played to win? Preparation for the World Cup seemed neglected"

*This content was translated by AI.

Following South Korea's failure to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup round of 32, 'Korean football legend' JTBC commentator Park Ji-sung also voiced strong criticism toward the national team, including coach Hong Myung-bo.

Commentator Park Ji-sung, on the 25th (Korean time), immediately after the 0-1 defeat against South Africa in the Group A third match of the tournament held at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, stated, "We need to reconsider whether this match was truly played with the intent to win. It was not clear how we intended to attack."

On that day, South Korea could have secured a spot in the round of 32 by finishing second in the group with just a draw against South Africa, but after conceding the first goal, they failed to overcome it and ultimately finished third in the group. The final standings in Group A were Mexico (9 points), South Africa (4 points), South Korea (3 points), and Czech Republic (1 point). Mexico and South Africa advanced directly to the round of 32. South Korea needed to finish within the top eight among the twelve third-placed teams to advance to the round of 32.

Commentator Park Ji-sung pointed out, "I believe the tactics were the same for all three matches from the first to the third. The strategy was to focus on defense while attacking, but it was not clear how to attack until reaching the goal area or what to do once there."

Commentator Park also added, "The fact that this was the same issue throughout the first three matches of the World Cup is the problem. I wonder if we were not negligent in preparing for the World Cup."

Commentator Park Ji-sung particularly expressed repeated disappointment regarding coach Hong Myung-bo's tactical choices in the final moments of that day's match. On that day, after conceding the first goal in the 18th minute of the second half, South Korea desperately needed a goal, but Coach Hong maintained the same number of attackers without making any tactical changes.

Commentator Park Ji-sung stated, "We were in a situation where we needed to attack, yet the number of defenders remained unchanged during the match. There should have been more players inside the box. Many players need to move forward. Finishing 0-1 or 0-2 does not change the standings. We need to take risks," expressing his frustration.

Meanwhile, on that day, South Korea was shaken by the opponent's attacks from the first half and ultimately lost 0-1 to South Africa in the second half without being able to overcome the first goal. According to the FIFA rankings, South Korea is ranked 25th, while South Africa is ranked 60th.

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*This content was translated by AI.