Director Hong Myung-bo "I gave up my mind to easily win the Palestinian match."
Nov 18, 2024
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The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the sixth match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at Amman International Stadium in Jordan on the afternoon of the 19th. Currently, Korea ranks first in Group B with four wins and one draw. The first and second runners-up of each group will go straight to the World Cup finals. If he wins the match against Palestine, he will cross the eighth ridge of the finals.
However, the Palestinians cannot be ignored. Hong Myung-bo drew 0-0 against Palestine at home in September. At that time, Palestine played on par with South Korea based on its strong mentality. Numerous Palestinian fans are expected to fill the stadium this game.
Coach Hong Myung-bo said at a press conference held a day before the game, `We prepared well as we have done so far. It's an away game, but this place (Amman) is the place where I came and played last time. I'll be able to play with ease." Then "This is the last game of the year. I will give up the idea that I will win easily and prepare well with a strong mind. `.
◇ Q&A with Director Hong Myung-bo
-My resolution for tomorrow's game is
▶I prepared well as I have done so far. It's an away game, but this is where we played last time. You will be able to play with ease. It's game six. This is the last game of the year. When I see the rest of the game, I will not think that I will win easily when it comes to starting anew, and I will prepare well with a strong mind and play well tomorrow.
-The Palestinians are emphasizing mental strength.
▶This is the part we should be most careful about. As such, the mental preparedness of Palestinian players will be stronger than any other team. I also talked with the players in the first game. There was also a chaotic atmosphere in the first game. I'm expecting to play better than the first game. I understand the reason why the game was held here. I will prepare better in that regard. The overall atmosphere of the team is not bad. It is true that there is some fatigue. I will train well today and have a good game tomorrow.
-He started amid concerns, but is wrapping up this year with a major twist. What's the secret of the national team becoming younger.
▶The director has many roles. It is most important to find a good player in reality. Regarding the fact that the national team has become younger now, it is about preparing for the future rather than now. I think the young players now are also maintaining good performance. The performance is the priority. I don't think age is a priority. Some players have the potential right now. There is a possibility of making the national team now, but we have to see how much we can grow in two years. He is running the national team, predicting the possibility of two years from now. In the short term, it is to prepare for the World Cup and it is important to find resources to prepare for the next 10 years.
-Palestine is the only team that drew against South Korea in this preliminary round, so did you prepare anything special.
▶Hope to play a different game than the first game against Palestine. That's how I prepared it.
-Is there a team in the same group that you're particularly interested in.
▶It is true that all the teams in our group are different in points. But for South Korea, I think every game is a final. I have an idea to prepare humbly and finish the preliminary round. I will prepare well for tomorrow's game and try to win.
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