"If we go into this match with the complacent thought that a draw alone is enough to advance, we could find ourselves in serious trouble instead. I will prepare for this match with the mindset of not giving up and winning."
This was the resolute declaration made by South Korea national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo at an official press conference held a day before the group stage finale against South Africa, which will determine the team's advance to the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Hong attended the press conference held at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, Tuesday (Korea time), alongside Kim Min-jae, the anchor of the team's defense.
South Korea earned a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their first match, but despite a strong showing in the second match against host nation Mexico, they lost 0-1 due to a defensive error.
The Hong Myung-bo-led team still has a strong chance of advancing to the round of 32. A draw against South Africa alone would secure second place in the group and advancement to the round of 32 tournament.
But Hong said, "Looking back on my past World Cup experiences, there have been many cases where we had to win to advance. The current situation (where second place in the group is secured even with a draw) is not bad, but it doesn't offer any particular advantage either."
Regarding the team's mood after the loss to Mexico, Hong said, "It's true that the atmosphere has been a bit more subdued than after a win, in the sense that we couldn't bring home a result despite an overall solid preparation process." He added, "But that doesn't mean our preparation has dropped off much. We have recovered sufficiently, both physically and mentally."
Regarding the starting lineup, Hong said, "Two or three positions will see changes."
Monterrey is a place where many Korean companies have established a presence, and many fans are expected to come to the stadium thanks to the Korean Wave and the connection from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when South Korea's victory over Germany in the group stage finale helped Mexico, in the same group, advance to the round of 16.
On this, Hong said, "I am well aware that Mexican fans chanted 'Korea' even during the Czech Republic match. I am grateful. I understand there are many Korean companies and Korean residents here." He added, "It is a great gift that our players can play tomorrow with a feeling of being on home ground. I will make good use of that to put on a good performance."
Asked whether he knew that Monterrey was where South Korea wrote its legend by reaching the semifinals of the 1983 Mexico Youth World Cup, Hong said, "Honestly, I wasn't well aware of that history." He added, "If this final match comes to the squad as a joyful opportunity and a piece of history like 1983, I would be truly happy. I hope Monterrey can be remembered as another place filled with great gifts for Korean football."
The Group A group stage finale between South Korea and South Africa will be held at Monterrey Stadium at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
