▲ Head Coach Hong Myung-bo and his players celebrate after the match against the Czech Republic on June 11 (local time).
South Korean national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo credited his players for their resilience in securing a comeback victory against a formidable Czech Republic side in the opening match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The South Korean team defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their first Group A match of the World Cup, held at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 12 (KST).
After conceding the opening goal in the 59th minute, Hong's squad leveled the score with a goal from Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) in the 67th minute, followed by a winning goal from Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş) in the 80th minute to complete the comeback.
In a post-match broadcast interview, Coach Hong shared his thoughts, saying, "I am happy to have won a very difficult match. The fact that the players did not give up during a tough process and achieved victory will have a positive effect on the national team."
Coach Hong specifically attributed the success to his players, adding, "I want to tell the players that I congratulate them."
Regarding what he told the players during the hydration break in the first half, Hong explained, "I emphasized that we could score if we stuck to our style of play. I also instructed them to maintain their positions and not lose possession of the ball."
When asked about his resolve for the second match against Mexico in a week, Hong said, "As it is an important match for advancing to the Round of 32, we will prepare well during the remaining time."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.