(LEAD) (World Cup) S. Korea coach unable to pinpoint reasons behind deflating loss
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said he could not identify a clear cause for the team’s 1-0 loss to South Africa at the World Cup, though he cited scorching weather and mental factors as possible contributors. The defeat left South Korea third in Group A with three points, putting them in contention for a best‑third‑place spot to reach the knockout stage. Hong took responsibility for the result and defended captain Son Heung‑min, who has yet to score in the tournament.
- ▪South Korea lost 1-0 to South Africa, finishing third in Group A with three points.
- ▪Coach Hong Myung-bo could not pinpoint specific reasons for the loss, mentioning environmental and mental factors.
- ▪Hong said the team’s performance was affected by the hot conditions in Guadalupe compared to earlier cooler matches.
- ▪He took personal responsibility for the result and defended captain Son Heung‑min’s goalless record.
- ▪South Korea must await the outcomes of other groups to see if they qualify as one of the best third‑place teams.
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Facebook X More Pinterest Linked in Tumblr Reddit Facebook Messenger Copy URL URL is copied. OK (LEAD) (World Cup) S. Korea coach unable to pinpoint reasons behind deflating loss Yoo Jee-ho All News 10:57 June 26, 2026 This will let Google show Yonhap news articles that match or are related to your search Add Yonhap as a preferred source on Google SHARE Facebook X Pinterest Linked in Tumblr Reddit Facebook Messenger Copy URL URL is copied. LIKE SAVE PRINT FONT SIZE ABCDEFG ABCDEFG ABCDEFG ABCDEFG ABCDEFG (ATTN: ADDS comments in last 7 paras) ZAPOPAN, Mexico, June 25 (Yonhap) -- Some 24 hours after South Korea finished third in their group with a demoralizing loss at the FIFA World Cup, head coach Hong Myung-bo still couldn't pinpoint reasons behind his team's plight Thursday.
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