For Hong, the performance not only underlined Korea Republic’s dominance but also provided a glimpse into the future of the team.

"This was a really important match for the national team going forward," Hong said. "We will have some friendly matches coming up before the World Cup, but today was a great opportunity for our young players to gain experience. And they played so much better than I'd expected."

Hong, who took over the reins following Korea Republic’s semi-final exit from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, has integrated fresh faces into the squad and believes the blend of youth and experience will play a crucial role in the team’s development.

"No one can predict what will happen over the next year or so, and obviously, we don't have our starting lineup set for the World Cup," Hong said. "Some of the veteran players should still form the core of our team, and the key is for some good young players to step up and support those veterans. In that regard, the way we competed today was extremely encouraging.

"Over the past year or so, I've been able to learn the tendencies of my players and build strong relationships with them," Hong said. "I've been able to lay groundwork on where we should go and how we should prepare for the World Cup."

Kuwait ended their campaign bottom of the group with head coach Pizzi acknowledging his opponents’ quality but commended his players’ determination.

“The superiority was evident. I think there’s quite a significant difference between the two teams. And we made a huge effort to try to level things,” Pizzi said. “I believe that for a large part of the match, we managed to do that. But then, when they started to find space or linked up with quick passing, they’re very difficult and very clinical when it came to finishing. 

“I appreciate the efforts from my players, who were trying to compete with Korea Republic. As I said yesterday, they are one of the best teams in the world.”