South Korea HubThe South Korea national football team lost 1-0 to South Africa in the World Cup group stage on June 24.
What went wrong?
Coach Hong Myung-bo's tactical gamble failed as he benched Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung, starting Oh Hyeon-gyu instead.
In the 2nd minute, Kim Min-jae headed a corner kick from Lee Kang-in, but the ball was blocked by a South African defender. Six minutes later, Lee Kang-in's shot sailed wide.
South Africa's counterattack
South Africa started to counterattack midway through the first half. In the 19th minute, Lee Ki-hyuk made a desperate sprint to block a shot. In the 30th minute, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made consecutive saves against a long-range shot and a follow-up attempt.
Second half
At the start of the second half, coach Hong substituted Son Heung-min, Kim Jin-kyu, and Castrop for Hwang Hee-chan, Paik Seung-ho, and Lee Tae-seok.
Oh Hyeon-gyu connected with a header from a cross by Seol Young-woo on the right flank, but the ball was caught by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, South Africa scored on a counterattack.
Result
South Korea lost 1-0. South Africa finished with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss to secure second place and a spot in the Round of 32. Korea finished third in the group with 1 win and 2 losses.
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Mexico | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| South Korea | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 |
| Czech Republic | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 |
