'Only 31%' Grim Survival Odds: "I Apologize to Fans; If Given a Chance..." Yang Hyun-jun's Unyielding Will [World Cup On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Taegeuk Warriors did not let go of their faint hope for World Cup survival.

The South Korean national soccer team held training at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, the base camp, on the morning of the 27th (local time).

South Korea took an advantageous position for advancing to the Round of 32 by defeating Czech Republic 2-1 in the Group A opener, but fell to third place in the group after consecutive losses to Mexico and South Africa (both 0-1).

In this tournament, 48 teams participated, with the top two teams from each group advancing directly to the Round of 32, and teams finishing third can also advance if they rank among the top eight third-place teams. However, South Korea found itself in a disadvantaged position, having to wait for the results of only three groups.

For South Korea to catch the last train to the Round of 32, it is sufficient to satisfy at least two scenarios among the remaining Group L, K, and J outcomes. To meet these conditions, scenarios such as Canada defeating Croatia in Group L and Uzbekistan defeating Congo in Group K must materialize.

However, according to the statistics specialist media 'Opta', South Korea's survival odds for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup are a mere 31%.

Ahead of the training, striker Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic FC) met with reporters and stated, "It's my first World Cup, and although we found ourselves in an advantageous situation, I couldn't take the opportunity when it came, so the results of the second and third matches are extremely disappointing."

Regarding the third match against South Africa, which was so powerless that even fans found it hard to accept, Yang Hyun-jun pointed to unexpected variables that occurred during the game and a drop in confidence as the causes. Yang Hyun-jun explained, "The team atmosphere was good during the second and third matches, and we worked hard analyzing our opponents. However, just as variables always occur on the field, unexpected mistakes led to conceding goals, which lowered our confidence and shifted the momentum to the opponent, resulting in our inability to secure a win."

Yang Hyun-jun also confessed about the weight and responsibility of his first-ever World Cup stage. He said, "I have been running with this goal in mind since before the World Cup, so it is extremely disappointing to find ourselves in this situation. The World Cup is what every player dreams of. We should have shouldered more responsibility, but it's my first World Cup, so it's disappointing," as he bowed his head.

He also added his belief that the immense pressure experienced on this World Cup stage will become a stepping stone for future growth. He stated, "Preparing with good players is itself a time for motivation and growth. In particular, the pressure of playing matches is something I could never feel with my club team. I think I will gain confidence to play even better when I return to my club team."

Although South Korea's odds of advancing to the Round of 32 have plummeted, if they miraculously catch the last train to the tournament, they are determined to step onto the pitch with a completely different spirit and will than before. Yang Hyun-jun said, "If given a chance, I truly feel sorry for our team and the fans, so I must play even harder. Whether that stage is five minutes or ten minutes, I must clearly show my will to win in any way possible," displaying his fierce determination.

Currently, the squad is enduring a nerve-wracking wait, hoping solely for the mercy of other nations. Regarding the current atmosphere of the squad, Yang Hyun-jun frankly admitted, "Honestly, the current atmosphere of the squad is not good. We watch matches together during meals, but now we will have to watch the remaining three matches of other groups and cheer desperately."

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

*This content was translated by AI.