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Sport: SoccerCountry: MexicoCategory: Scores & Results

Hong takes responsibility after South Korea loses to South Africa

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 4:53 AM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Hong takes responsibility after South Korea loses to South Africa
Summary

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo accepted blame for his team's 1-0 defeat to South Africa on June 24, which jeopardizes their World Cup progression. After a strong start against the Czech Republic, South Korea struggled in their final group match held in Monterrey, with Thapelo Maseko's second-half goal proving decisive. Hong left star forward Son Heung-min out of the starting XI, planning to utilize him later in the match. Despite the loss, South Korea remains in contention for advancement as a potential best third-placed team.

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By the Numbers
  • •South Korea lost 1-0 to South Africa on June 24.
  • •The defeat puts their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
  • •Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal of the match.
  • •Hong Myung-bo left Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup.
  • •South Korea still has a chance to qualify as a best third-placed team.
Latest Updates
  • 6:15 PMYahoo Sports — South Korea coach bereft of answers with World Cup hopes on knife-edge
  • 4:53 AMYahoo Sports — Hong takes blame as South Korea's World Cup hopes fade
What they're saying
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South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo took the blame for his team's limp 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Wednesday that left their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.Wednesday's defeat in Mexico is a shocking reversal of form for South Korea, who started their World Cup in style, coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

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South Korea's much-maligned coach Hong Myung-bo admits he is struggling to pinpoint where his side went wrong as their chances of reaching the World Cup last 32 faced increasing jeopardy.During his first he oversaw a group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup, where they lost two matches and drew one. pst/nf

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