Nashville: With his South Korea allowing a late equalizer to settle for a 2-2 draw against Mexico after battling back from an early deficit in their latest friendly match, head coach Hong Myung-bo was left feeling disappointed. South Korea conceded the match's first goal before rallying with two goals in the second half, only to see the lead evaporate in the dying moments at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea had defeated the United States 2-0 in a tidy performance last Saturday in New Jersey, but came up just short of ending their U.S. trip with two straight wins. "I think this was a disappointing match. It would have been nice to have won this match," Hong said at his postmatch press conference. "But I think this match allowed us to learn a great deal. I want to thank our players for doing their best until the end, but I think they are probably more disappointed than I am."
Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Mexico in the 22nd minute, but then Son Heung-min responded for South Korea in the 65th minute before Oh Hyeon-gyu put South Korea ahead 10 minutes later. Santiago Gimenez then netted the equalizer during stoppage time, a play that Hong said never should have happened in the first place.
"We have to stay focused until the referee blows the final whistle. I am most disappointed with the fact that we conceded that goal so late in the match," Hong said. "We will be playing even stronger teams in the future and we have to keep improving in that regard."
On a more positive note, Hong said he was pleased with the team's defensive organization and overall execution of the game plan. Compared to the U.S. match, nine new players got into the starting XI against Mexico, and Hong noted that those players appeared nervous. "I think nerves resulted in some early mistakes," the coach added. "There wasn't flow to some of the plays we made early. We had some young players or some older guys who were playing for the first time in a while, and I think it showed on the pitch."
Hong had said before the U.S. trip that he hoped to gain some insight into playing conditions on U.S. soil ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. With two matches in America in the books, Hong said his mission was accomplished. "It was a great opportunity for us to experience all types of variables, such as different pitch and weather conditions," Hong added.
Hong also reserved praise for his team's two goal scorers. Son scored in both matches in the U.S., silencing critics that had raised doubts about his supposedly declining skills. Son started the U.S. match and played just over 60 minutes and was brought in as a sub at the start of the second half against Mexico. "Son Heung-min more than did his job for us in different positions and different roles," Hong said. "Whether he starts or not, we will use him at the most important juncture of our matches. He has a full understanding of that situation."
Oh, currently playing for KRC Genk in Belgium, recently had his negotiations with the German side VfB Stuttgart fall through over his medical history. Oh had said at the onset of camp that he would not stay down on himself and would be ready to contribute to the national team when the opportunity came, and the 24-year-old lived up to his word. "He joined the national team after a tough situation but he showed great maturity overcoming his disappointment," Hong said. "Although the transfer didn't happen, there's no question in my mind he's in great form."