Yongin: South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed commendation for his team after their victory over China in the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship. The match, held at Yongin Mireu Stadium, concluded with a 3-0 win for South Korea, marking a successful start to the tournament.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong Myung-bo fielded a 26-man squad consisting entirely of players from the K League 1 in South Korea and the J1 League in Japan. Notably absent were players based in Europe and the Middle East, as the tournament fell outside FIFA's international match calendar. This provided an opportunity for domestic league players to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot in next year's World Cup squad.
Hong noted that the team exceeded his expectations during the match. "I think we played much better than what we'd prepared," he stated. He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in decision-making during key moments, but emphasized the potential for growth in the future.
A key aspect of the team's strategy was an experimental formation. Hong implemented a modified back-three setup, adapting between three and four defenders as needed. He praised the performance of the starting trio of Kim Ju-sung, Park Jin-seob, and Park Seung-wook, particularly highlighting their contributions to transitioning from defense to offense effectively.
The match also saw midfielder Kim Bong-soo making his senior international debut, alongside five other players who entered the game in the second half for their first international appearances. Hong described their performances as a mixed experience but expressed confidence in their abilities and potential for development.
Hong concluded by emphasizing the quality of the players selected for the tournament, asserting that they represent the best form in the K League. He anticipated the experience would serve as a valuable learning opportunity, aiding in their growth and readiness for future challenges.