Ahead of South Africa clash, Lee Han-beom vows: 'We will win'

South Korean defender Lee Han-beom declared an unwavering resolve to win against South Africa in their crucial World Cup qualifier. "The players have no thought of drawing. We are determined to win, no matter what," Lee stated ahead of the match. The team's ultimate goal, he added, is to secure a higher standing and bring happiness to the nation.

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The players have no thought of drawing. We are determined to win, no matter what.

Lee, a key component of South Korea's three-back formation, acknowledged South Africa's strengths, noting their build-up-focused play, strong individual skills, and effective long kicks from the goalkeeper. "If we prepare our defensive organization well, I believe we can effectively stop South Africa. We need to be mindful of the space behind our defense," he explained.

Reflecting on the team's defensive cohesion, Lee noted the growing solidity since the switch to a three-back system. He highlighted the communication with veteran defenders like Kim Min-jae, who has encouraged him to focus on marking opponents like Mexico's Julian Quiñones. "Since the Mexico match, I feel we are becoming increasingly solid defensively. If we prepare similarly for South Africa, I believe we can defend well," Lee asserted.

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If we prepare our defensive organization well, I believe we can effectively stop South Africa. We need to be mindful of the space behind our defense.

Looking back at a missed defensive opportunity in the previous match against Mexico, Lee acknowledged individual responsibility. "We need to ensure such moments don't happen again. If I had prepared better on the inside, I might have been able to save that goal," he admitted, vowing to improve.

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Since the Mexico match, I feel we are becoming increasingly solid defensively. If we prepare similarly for South Africa, I believe we can defend well.

South Korea needs only a draw to advance to the next round as the second-place team in Group A, while South Africa must win to keep their hopes alive. The decisive match is set for June 25.

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We need to ensure such moments don't happen again. If I had prepared better on the inside, I might have been able to save that goal.