Korean head coach Hong Myung-bo clutches his head while watching his team face off against South Africa in its final Group A contest at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 25, 2026 (Korea time). (Kim Young-won/Hankyoreh)
“The team lost energy.”A veteran soccer commentator had this take on Korea’s performance at the FIFA World Cup following the national team’s 1-0 loss on Wednesday to South Africa in their final Group A match at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.Unlike in their first and second group contests, the Taegeuk Warriors failed to show their usual sharp form against Bafana Bafana. Korea trailed in shots (14-7) and shots on goal (4-2) and lacked any real threat to score despite dominating possession (69% to 31%) and pass completion rate (91%). “The team’s energy cycle was at its lowest point, not peak, and the players looked physically drained,” said Kim Dae-gil, a soccer analyst for the cable station KBS N.
Son Heung-min and others leave the pitch after their loss to South Africa at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 25, 2026 (Korea time). (Kim Young-won/Hankyoreh)
Oh Hyeon-gyu attempts a header during Korea’s contest with South Africa in group stage play at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico on June 25, 2026 (Korea time). (Kim Young-won/Hankyoreh)
