Defending the national team? Ahn Jung-hwan finally speaks out: "I am the harshest critic of Hong Myung-bo" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Former South Korean national soccer team player Ahn Jung-hwan criticized the team, stating after the loss to South Africa in the South Africa World Cup that "both the coach and the association must be completely replaced."

On the 25th, Ahn Jung-hwan shared various comments on the South Korea vs. South Africa match at the 2026 North American World Cup through a JoongAng Ilbo match review.

Ahn Jung-hwan said, "Has there ever been such a frustrating match in the World Cup? It was the worst of the three matches in this tournament. It was terrible, and we could do nothing. They showed no enthusiasm. There was no urgency. It wasn't even a 'lost well-fought' match. I don't even know if this is the World Cup."

He continued, "I couldn't sense the tactics at all. Neither the formation nor the timing was right. Even while losing, there was no risk-taking or tactical formation change. To score, you must advance into the box, but there were too many players behind." He pointed out, "I understand the intention to bring on Son Heung-min in the second half when the opponent's stamina was low, but in the end, it didn't work at all."

Ahn Jung-hwan stated, "The coach is indeed responsible. Even if the times have changed and players' individuality has become important, ultimately, the coach is the one who builds the team. Whether they reach the Round of 32 or achieve any result, the responsibility is unavoidable when looking at the performance alone." He further added, "I have said from the beginning that if the national team fails to produce results, I will criticize Coach Hong Myung-bo the strongest. If things go wrong, the Football Association must also be completely replaced and turned upside down. If it doesn't change anew, the same thing will happen again," expressing his anger.

However, Ahn Jung-hwan said, "Just because Son Heung-min was spared does not mean the players who started were insufficient. Such criticism can only bring self-doubt to those players." He added, "Instead of celebrating a loss, we must point out what needs to be improved and changed. I am not on anyone's side; I am on the side of Korean soccer to the core."

Hong Myung-bo's team lost 0-1 to South Africa in the match held at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on this day.

As a result, South Korea finished with 1 win and 2 losses (3 points), placing third in the group behind Mexico (9 points) and South Africa (4 points).

Meanwhile, regarding the criticism surrounding Son Heung-min's early substitution after the 0-1 loss to Mexico on the 19th, Ahn Jung-hwan said, "If Cho Gue-sung's headed goal had scored after being substituted in, everyone would have praised him." He noted, "The biggest problem is blindly criticizing based solely on results. General fans might say that, but people who don't know anything are strangely making noise." He further pointed out, "I am not on anyone's side; I only hope for the success of the Oh Jik (CEO) team and its juniors. It is uncomfortable to see people trying to attract attention with content that doesn't even make sense."

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*This content was translated by AI.