Is it just Hong Myung-bo to blame? U.S. CBS delivers harsh critique: "Son Heung-min's slump is the biggest obstacle to South Korea's advancement to the Round of 16"

*This content was translated by AI.

While criticism has been directed solely at the head coach, Hong Myung-bo (57), foreign media offered a different perspective. A cold diagnosis emerged: the true key to the South Korean national team's survival in the tournament is not the coach's tactics, but the revival of the 'ace,' Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC).

Chris Wittyngham, a football commentator appearing on the U.S. CBS Sports football channel 'Golazo Network,' delivered a blunt assessment of the South Korean national team's future prospects through a video posted on the 26th (Korea time). The commentator, who primarily covers Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, was relatively well-informed about Son Heung-min's recent form.

In particular, he pinpointed Son Heung-min's slump as the most fatal Achilles' heel for South Korea's future prospects. Wittyngham stated, "The most worrying factor for South Korea to advance to the next round is 'how poorly Son Heung-min has performed.'" He added, "Son Heung-min has not shown good form since the start of the MLS season. Although he scored a goal for LAFC, he has been showing a truly poor performance for the South Korean national team recently, which is not at all what is needed for South Korea to succeed." He criticized this point, noting that while there may be tactical issues with the head coach, the decline in performance of Son Heung-min, the key striker and star winger, is the most critical risk.

While domestic voices strongly criticize the coach's lack of ability due to frustrating match operations, foreign media also focused on the silence of the ace who must create differences on the field and the team's tactical attitude.

In fact, regarding the tactical operations of the Gyeong Gi (CEO) team in the recent match against South Africa, Wittyngham strongly criticized, "South Korea made three substitutions after the first half ended, yet they seemed to be playing as if aiming for a draw. The most foolish thing is to play for a draw. That is why they eventually concede a goal." He further evaluated, "On that day, South Africa played better, created better opportunities, and won."

Ultimately, Wittyngham emphasized that South Korea's passage through the group stage and survival in the tournament depend entirely on how quickly 'star winger' Son Heung-min regains his 'best form.'

This harsh criticism ironically reveals the absolute importance of Son Heung-min's presence in the South Korean national team. Regardless of the completeness of tactics, in a single-match knockout tournament, a single strike from a 'problem solver' capable of instantly turning the tide of the game is essential. The only unique figure who can fulfill that role remains Son Heung-min.

Finally, Wittyngham added a pessimistic outlook: "It will be difficult for South Korea to go beyond the Round of 32. Even if they advance to the tournament, they will likely be eliminated there." Amidst strong public criticism directed at Coach Hong Myung-bo, whether 'Captain' Son Heung-min can once again prove his class and rescue the national team from crisis hangs on his feet.

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*This content was translated by AI.