FIFA World Cup
There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.
Drawn in Group A with Mexico, Czech Republic and South Africa, the Taeguek Warriors kicked off their campaign in style.
Trailing to Ladislav Krejci's 59th minute opener, Son Heung-min led Korea Republic roared back with Hwang In-beom drawing them level eight minutes later.
Trailing to Ladislav Krejci's 59th minute opener, Son Heung-min led Korea Republic roared back with Hwang In-beom drawing them level eight minutes later.
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The comeback victory was completed by Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute, much to the delight of their fans in the stadium and across the globe.
Up next were Mexico but despite Korea Republic matching the hosts, Luis Romo's 50th minute strike meant the East Asian side were left with a job to do in their concluding fixture against South Africa.
Up next were Mexico but despite Korea Republic matching the hosts, Luis Romo's 50th minute strike meant the East Asian side were left with a job to do in their concluding fixture against South Africa.
Korea Republic went into the tie only needing a point but were a pale shadow of themselves, failing to respond after Thapelo Maseko put South Africa ahead.
That meant a third-placed finish in the group, with the three points not enough for Korea Republic to advance.
That meant a third-placed finish in the group, with the three points not enough for Korea Republic to advance.
The exit also signalled a transitional phase for them, with head coach Hong Myung-bo stepping down and a search for his replacement ongoing.
With the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ fast approaching, the incoming head coach will have to burn the midnight oil to ensure two-time champions Korea Republic go into the continental showpiece well placed to lift a third title.
Drawn in Group E alongside United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Yemen, their fans will expect a resounding bounce back to make up for their FIFA World Cup 2026 troubles.
With the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ fast approaching, the incoming head coach will have to burn the midnight oil to ensure two-time champions Korea Republic go into the continental showpiece well placed to lift a third title.
Drawn in Group E alongside United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Yemen, their fans will expect a resounding bounce back to make up for their FIFA World Cup 2026 troubles.
