Lee Kyung-gyu criticizes Hong Myung-bo's tactics: "Son Heung-min substituted too early... Should have utilized him on the wing" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Broadcaster Lee Kyung-gyu expressed regret over Hong Myung-bo's player substitutions while watching South Korea's defeat against Mexico in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup.

On the 19th, Lee Kyung-gyu watched via the channel "God Kyung-gyu" as Hong Myung-bo's team lost 0-1 to host nation Mexico in the second match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup group stage held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Lee Kyung-gyu first addressed the timing of Son Heung-min's substitution in today's match, stating, "Coach Hong Myung-bo substituted Son Heung-min in the previous match against Czechia, and the results were good, earning him much praise for that decision." He added, "Perhaps due to that influence, Son Heung-min was taken off too early this time."

Lee Kyung-gyu continued, "Son Heung-min should have been utilized on the wing rather than as a lone striker." He explained, "Son Heung-min's greatest strengths are his ability to penetrate space and break through defenses, but by being fixed at the front line, those strengths were not fully realized."

Lee Kyung-gyu added, "This is not a problem that can be solved by simply changing players. The tactics themselves needed to be changed. The opponent had sufficiently predicted South Korea's attacks, yet the same approach was repeated." He noted, "When the flow of the game stalled, responses such as changing formations or adjusting attacking patterns were necessary, but such measures appeared lacking in the match against Mexico."

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*This content was translated by AI.