Tactical Gamble Fails: South Korea Falls 1-0 to South Africa

[Anchor]

South Korea has lost 1-0 to South Africa in the third match of the North and Central America World Cup group stage. Having dropped to third place in Group A, the national team has failed to secure an immediate spot in the Round of 32 and must now wait for the results of other groups.

Reporter Hong Seok-jun has the story.

[Reporter]

Head coach Hong Myung-bo, who had signaled changes to the starting lineup, played a "tactical gamble" yesterday (June 24) by benching "Captain" Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung.

With Oh Hyeon-gyu making his first start to lead the attack and Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in positioned in the second line, the national team—needing only a draw against South Africa to advance—pressed hard in the early stages of the first half.

In the 2nd minute, Kim Min-jae connected with a header from an Lee Kang-in corner kick, but the ball was blocked by an opposing defender guarding the goal. Six minutes later, an attempt by Lee Kang-in sailed wide, leaving the team frustrated.

However, the team struggled against a fierce counterattack starting midway through the first half.

In the 19th minute, the team faced a crisis during a counterattack, but Lee Ki-hyuk made a desperate sprint to block a shot. In the 30th minute, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made consecutive saves against a long-range shot and a follow-up attempt in front of the goal, narrowly avoiding a deficit.

Despite leading in possession, the team finished the first half scoreless while trailing 10 to 4 in shots. At the start of the second half, coach Hong substituted Son Heung-min, Kim Jin-kyu, and Castrop for Hwang Hee-chan, Paik Seung-ho, and Lee Tae-seok.

In the 15th minute of the second half, Oh Hyeon-gyu connected with a header from a cross by Seol Young-woo on the right flank, but the ball was caught by the goalkeeper, missing a rare opportunity.

Three minutes later, the team was struck by a counterattack.

South Korea conceded a goal after allowing Maseko to fire a left-footed shot from a cross on the left flank.

Afterward, the team brought on Cho Gue-sung to replace Oh Hyeon-gyu, but they failed to create any significant chances and ultimately lost 1-0 to South Africa.

With South Africa finishing with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss to secure second place and a spot in the Round of 32, and Mexico defeating the Czech Republic in the match held at the same time, the Czech Republic finished at the bottom of the group with 1 draw and 2 losses. Our national team finished third in the group with 1 win and 2 losses.

The Hong Myung-bo squad must now wait to see if they rank among the top 8 third-place teams across the 12 groups to advance to the Round of 32.

(Video Editing: Oh Young-taek)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.