[Official] Hong Myung-bo's era is truly over: '32-team failure' — Son Heung-min's last dance ends in futility... Uzbekistan suffers 3-1 comeback defeat against Congo

*This content was translated by AI.

It is over. Hong Myung-bo's team has failed to advance to the round of 32. Regardless of the final results in Group J, elimination from the group stage is confirmed.

On the 28th (Korea time), Uzbekistan suffered a 3-1 comeback defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final third-round Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers, held at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, USA. In the same group, the match between Colombia and Portugal ended in a 0-0 draw.

As a result, Colombia secured first place in Group K with two wins and one draw (7 points). Colombia will face Ghana in the round of 32 at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, USA, on the 4th of next month. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal finished second in the group with one win and two draws (5 points). The Democratic Republic of Congo finished third in the group with one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points), advancing to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

This tournament has been expanded to include 48 teams. In addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-placed teams among the 12th groups will also advance to the round of 32. South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses (3 points), scoring two goals and conceding three, with a goal difference of -1. Although a draw against South Africa in the final third-round match would have secured second place in Group A and advancement to the round of 32, the 0-1 defeat left South Korea dependent on results in other groups.

South Korea no longer had any margin for error. With matches remaining in Groups K and J, two scenarios had to align for South Korea to advance to the round of 32. If even one scenario failed, elimination was certain. However, the worst possible outcome occurred in Group K.

From South Korea's perspective, Uzbekistan had to avoid losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo. If the Democratic Republic of Congo won, they would reach 4 points and surpass South Korea. Conversely, Uzbekistan had suffered heavy defeats in their previous two matches, leaving them with a significantly inferior goal difference. If Uzbekistan had won or drawn, South Korea would have retained a slim chance of advancement.

However, Uzbekistan ultimately could not hold on. Making their debut in a World Cup finals tournament for the first time in their history, Uzbekistan aimed to secure their first-ever points on the world stage against the Democratic Republic of Congo. At one point, they offered hope to South Korea as well. However, their defense collapsed in the second half, and South Korea's remaining possibilities for advancing to the round of 32 vanished along with it.

Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan's coach, deployed a 5-4-1 formation. Center-back Abdukodir Husanov, who plays for Manchester City in England, started the match. The Democratic Republic of Congo countered with a 4-4-2 formation.

The early atmosphere favored Uzbekistan. Just 20 seconds into the match, it seemed as though the net would be shaken. A shot from winger Dostonbek Hamdamov (Pakhtakor Tashkent) was saved by the goalkeeper, but Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir), positioned nearby, took a second shot that resulted in a goal.

However, the referee ruled it offside. The decision remained unchanged even after video assistant referee (VAR) review. Uzbekistan's goal was disallowed.

Nevertheless, Uzbekistan scored the opening goal in the 10th minute of the first half. Shomurodov, who had previously been left frustrated by an offside call, opened the net once again. Uzbekistan took a 1-0 lead. This was also welcome news for South Korea.

The Democratic Republic of Congo immediately launched a counterattack. In the 18th minute of the first half, Nadanael Mbuku (Augsburg) shook the net with a powerful left-footed shot. However, the decision was overturned again. Mbuku was judged to have swung his arm while advancing in the attack, and it was determined that his arm struck an Uzbekistan player's face. The referee disallowed the goal. This was a fortunate moment for South Korea.

However, the momentum shifted completely in the second half. Uzbekistan's defense collapsed. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Husanov committed a foul inside the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty kick. Yohane Bisca (Newcastle), who took the kick, calmly scored the equalizer.

Having seized control of the game, the Democratic Republic of Congo scored the go-ahead goal in the 33rd minute of the second half. Piston Mayele (Pyramids) did not miss the decisive opportunity and finished the play. This was a fatal error for Uzbekistan and, in effect, a goal that signaled South Korea's elimination.

The Democratic Republic of Congo added a late goal in stoppage time. Bisca once again emerged as the hero. Uzbekistan could no longer catch up. The match ultimately ended with a 3-1 victory for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With this result, South Korea's chances of advancing to the round of 32 disappeared. There was no longer any need to wait for the results of Group J. By securing 4 points, the Democratic Republic of Congo ensured that South Korea could not finish among the top eight third-placed teams.

Son Heung-min's last dance at the World Cup also ended in futility. This tournament was widely regarded as Son Heung-min's final World Cup. However, South Korea could not overcome the shock of their defeat against South Africa in the final group stage match. It was an utterly futile ending.

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*This content was translated by AI.