'Worst World Cup Performance in History' Is Accurate! Korea Scored at Least One Goal Against Brazil, Argentina, and Spain

*This content was translated by AI.

'The worst performance in World Cup history' is indeed accurate. In past World Cups, even when facing formidable opponents, Korea always managed to score at least one goal, finding solace in the phrase 'lost but fought well' (jeot-jal-ssa).

Under the leadership of coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean national team lost 0-1 to South Africa in the final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup qualifiers held at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on the 25th (Korea time). As a result, South Korea's record fell to one win and two losses (three points), dropping to third place in the group and casting doubt on their advancement to the round of 32.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that no such powerless performance has ever occurred in South Korea's World Cup history. Even a draw would have secured second place and a spot in the round of 32, yet no one could have predicted that South Korea would suffer a scoreless defeat against a team significantly lower in the FIFA rankings (South Korea 25th, South Africa 60th).

In past World Cups, although South Korea may have been technically inferior to football powerhouses, it consistently displayed remarkable fighting spirit and delivered performances exceeding expectations. This makes the current defeat even more shocking.

In the 1986 Mexico World Cup, South Korea's first appearance in the finals in 32 years, the team lost 1-3 to Argentina but saw Park Chang-sun score the nation's first-ever World Cup goal, electrifying the public. In the same tournament, against Italy, consecutive goals by Choi Soon-ho and Heo Jung-moo sent shivers down the opponent's spine.

At the 1994 U.S. World Cup, South Korea drew 2-2 with powerhouse Spain and narrowly lost 2-3 to Germany, leaving a strong impression. In the 1998 France World Cup, the team achieved a 1-1 draw against Belgium.

The confidence built through these results culminated brilliantly at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. After defeating Portugal 1-0 with a winning goal by Park Ji-sung in the group stage, South Korea beat Italy 2-1 in the round of 16 with goals from Seol Ki-hyeon and Ahn Jung-hwan, sending the entire nation into a frenzy of excitement.

Even afterward, in the 2010 South Africa World Cup match against Argentina and the 2022 Qatar World Cup round of 16 match against Brazil, although South Korea lost 1-4 in both games, it showed unwavering determination until the end and scored at least one goal in each match, providing solace to the public.

However, such a display was nowhere to be found in today's match against South Africa. Given that the result was utterly pathetic with no room for excuse in terms of either skill or fighting spirit, the disappointment and anger among domestic fans could only be greater.

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*This content was translated by AI.