▲ Head coach Hong Myung-bo gives tactical instructions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A second match between South Korea and Mexico at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 18 (local time).
"Although the conceded goal was regrettable, our players did their best."
Head coach Hong Myung-bo said this during a press conference after a narrow 0-1 loss to Mexico in the second match of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage on Friday (KST).
In the match held at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, South Korea played an evenly matched game against the host nation Mexico, a powerhouse ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings.
Although they created several scoring opportunities, they suffered a defeat due to a conceded goal resulting from a defensive error five minutes into the second half.
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu (Tokyo) dropped the ball as he fell over defender Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon) while catching an aerial ball, and Luis Romo connected it with a right-footed shot to find the back of South Korea's net.
Hong assessed, "While the result is very regrettable, our players did well overall in preparing for the match," adding, "Our players responded well to the movements of the Mexican midfielders."
Regarding the conceded goal, he added, "I am not exactly sure what the call was in that situation. Since there was a moment where they bumped into each other, it seems a mistake occurred in that sequence."
Regarding being pushed back early in the first half, he said, "We expected the opponent to press very hard from the beginning. We judged that it would be dangerous if we lost the ball in a critical position and allowed a quick counterattack."
He also explained, "I told them that we must not concede a goal at least until the 20th minute of the first half, and the players defended well."
He looked back, adding, "After that, the rhythm shifted to our side. We played while dominating the play itself."
With Friday's match, Mexico secured two wins and clinched first place in the group.
South Korea's best option now is to maintain its current second-place standing (3 points).
South Africa, South Korea's opponent for the final third match, drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic on the same day.
South Africa, currently at the bottom of the group, is struggling with consecutive card troubles.
Midfielder Themba Zwane, who was sent off in the first match against Mexico, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who received his second yellow card of the tournament in the match against the Czech Republic on Friday, will not be able to play in the third match.
However, Hong remained cautious, saying, "Although their key players cannot play, that is not what is important. Such factors can actually boost the opponent's mental strength."
He added, "I watched their two matches, and their speed is good. We need to prepare well for that aspect."
South Korea will play its third group stage match against South Africa at the Monterrey Stadium on June 25 at 10 a.m.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.