The South Korean national football team struggled in their final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, failing to record a single shot on target in a lackluster performance.
Under the guidance of head coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea faced South Africa on June 25 at Monterrey Stadium, concluding the first half with a score of 0-0.
In contrast to their previous match against Mexico, where they lost 1-0, South Korea made significant changes to their starting lineup, excluding captain Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz). The team employed a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Oh Hyun-kyu (Beşiktaş) leading the attack, supported by Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) in the midfield. The central midfield was anchored by Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), while wingbacks were Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien) and Seol Young-woo (Crvena zvezda). The back three consisted of Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon FC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), with goalkeeper Kim Seung-kyu (FC Tokyo) between the posts.
South Korea missed an early scoring opportunity, with Kim Min-jae attempting a threatening header from a corner kick in the second minute, but it was blocked by a defender. In the eighth minute, after receiving a forward pass from Hwang In-beom, Seol Young-woo delivered a cross from the right flank, which Lee Kang-in connected with a left-footed shot, narrowly missing the goal.
After a promising start, South Korea lost control of the match, allowing South Africa to capitalize on their defensive lapses. In the 19th minute, a counterattack led to a one-on-one opportunity for Tafel Mashego, but Lee Gi-hyeok made a crucial defensive play to prevent a goal.
South Korea faced another scoring threat in the 30th minute when they allowed a dangerous long-range shot from Talente Mbata on the right side of the penalty box. Fortunately, goalkeeper Kim Seung-kyu made an initial save and followed up with another stop against Evidence Makgopa's follow-up attempt, showcasing his concentration and keeping the score level.
Throughout the first half, South Korea struggled to maintain possession, conceding ten shots (three on target) to their opponents while failing to register a single shot on target themselves.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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