Painful defeat in Korean soccer’s 1000th international match

Hong Myung-Boho, who is preparing for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, was defeated 0-4 by Ivory Coast in his first A match this year. This match, held on the 28th (local time) at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England, was recorded as the 1,000th international match in Korean soccer history, but ended with a painful loss of 4 goals.

Coach Hong Myung-bo's burden increased with the shocking defeat that occurred less than three months until the opening of the World Cup. As a result, Korean soccer's total A-match record reached 542 wins, 245 draws, and 213 losses, and its record against Cote d'Ivoire was balanced at 1 win and 1 loss.

Loss of control of the game due to the absence of the main striker

According to the FIFA rankings, Korea (22nd) ranked higher than Côte d'Ivoire, but the actual content of the game was the exact opposite. Korea lost control of the game from the beginning as Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), who were not in perfect physical condition, started on the bench.

In the 35th minute of the first half, Evan Geesang, who was on alert, scored the first goal with a right-footed shot from a side cross. In the 46th minute of the first half, an additional goal was allowed to Simon Adingra, ending the first half at 0-2.

Failed to reverse the flow despite inserting a replacement card

At the start of the second half, coach Hong Myung-bo attempted to change the mood by bringing in Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham). In the 13th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min, Cho Gyu-sung (Midtjylland), and Lee Kang-in were substituted in order.

However, rather than counterattacking, an additional goal was allowed due to a mistake. In the 17th minute of the second half, in an opponent's corner kick situation, Yang Hyun-Jun's header pass led to an own play, giving up the third goal to Martial Godot. Just before the end, Wilfried Shingo even allowed a key goal, resulting in a 0-4 defeat.

Next schedule: April 1st against Austria

The Korean national team will play in an evaluation match against Austria to be held in Vienna, Austria on April 1. As this match against Cote d'Ivoire was a sparring session targeting South Africa, the last opponent in the World Cup group stage, tactical improvement is urgently needed.