Hong Myung-bo's team shows lethargic 90 minutes: Son Heung-min misses, counter-attacks exposed, players fatigued

South Korea's national football team displayed a listless performance, losing 0-1 to South Africa in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier. Experts noted a significant drop in the team's energy levels, with statistics showing them trailing South Africa in shots and shots on target. Despite dominating possession and passing accuracy, their play lacked threat and incisiveness.

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The team's energy cycle was not at its peak, but at its bottom. The players looked tired.

Coach Hong Myung-bo's tactical decision to bench star player Son Heung-min for the first half, intending to use him in the second to exploit space, backfired. The team struggled to break down South Africa's defense through central attacks or effective crosses. Even long passes from Lee Kang-in were repeatedly blocked, failing to create scoring opportunities and instead seemingly boosting the opponent's morale.

When Son was introduced in the second half, his impact was minimal. He failed to create decisive plays through his usual sharpness or speed. The team's vulnerability to counter-attacks was exposed when South Africa scored in the 18th minute. Coach Hugo Broos of South Africa commented that his team was tactically more determined.

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We judged it would be better to bring in Son Heung-min in the second half when space opened up, rather than the first half when the opponent had more energy.

The article highlights a perceived gap between the team's strong individual players, including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae, and their overall standing in the World Cup. Limited squad depth meant that injuries to key players like Kim Min-jae and the absence of Lee Jae-sung further weakened the team. The humid conditions were also cited as a contributing factor to player fatigue.

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Tactically, we were more desperate.

Looking ahead, South Korea's advancement to the next round depends on the results of other matches, as they must rank among the top third-place teams. Player Lee Kang-in acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "I think our skills were very lacking, and we need to reflect and try to improve." He expressed hope for good fortune in the coming days and vowed to prepare thoroughly to avoid repeating such a performance.

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Strong teams set much higher goals and prepare accordingly. We are desperate to pass the group stage and pour all our energy into it. That's why our energy dropped in the match against South Africa.