World Cup looms as South Korea's offense remains stagnant; coach Hong Myung-bo calls for focus on scoring

South Korea's national football team concluded their pre-World Cup training camp in the United States with a narrow 1-0 victory over El Salvador. Despite the win, coach Hong Myung-bo acknowledged the team's performance was at times frustrating, particularly against El Salvador's defensive setup, which he likened to that of World Cup opponent Czech Republic. "We had difficulties early in the game," Hong stated. "El Salvador played a style similar to what we might face in the group stage. I believe it was a good experience for the players to adapt."

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We need to focus more on creating scoring opportunities.

Hong emphasized the need for the team to concentrate on creating more scoring chances in the remaining time before the tournament. While the team managed a clean sheet, the offensive output was a concern. "We need to focus more on creating scoring opportunities," he noted. Regarding set pieces, Hong revealed that specific tactics were withheld during the friendlies and will be refined during training at their base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of their first World Cup match.

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Set-piece tactics were not exposed in the friendly matches. We plan to improve their completeness through training at the base camp in Mexico.

Midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong, who scored the winning goal with a precise left-footed free-kick, expressed his ambition to take similar opportunities in the World Cup. "If the situation arises in the finals and I feel confident, I will confidently say I will take it," Lee said. He acknowledged both the positive aspects and areas for improvement identified during the friendlies. "The World Cup is a stage where we absolutely must bring results, so everyone is preparing well to achieve a good outcome."

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If the situation arises in the finals and I feel confident, I will confidently say I will take it.

Competition for the winger position remains fierce, with Lee Dong-gyeong vying with Lee Kang-in. Coach Hong stated that the player in the best condition will start in the World Cup matches, fostering healthy competition. Lee Kang-in spoke warmly of his relationship with Lee Dong-gyeong, noting their close bond since the Tokyo Olympics. "We are very close, we ate together during the Olympics and still eat together," Lee Kang-in shared. "We share each other's strengths and weaknesses, and I try to learn from Dong-gyeong's strengths."

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The World Cup is a stage where we absolutely must bring results, so everyone is preparing well to achieve a good outcome.