Korean National Soccer Team Wins 3-1 Against Oman, But Coach Hong’s Tactics Raise Concerns

Coach Hong Myung-bo’s tactics have come under scrutiny after the Korean national soccer team’s 3-1 win against Oman in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian 3rd qualifying round. Despite the victory, the team’s performance was marred by a lack of structured attack build-up, relying heavily on individual skills.

The only consolation was the mid-range goal by Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) in the 10th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min (Tottenham) in the 37th minute of the second half, and Joo Min-kyu (Ulsan HD) in the added time of the second half. Coach Hong’s decision to field a different starting lineup from the one against Palestine was seen as an attempt to overcome the crisis he was facing.

Defensive midfielder Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) and center back Jeong Seung-hyeon (Al Wasl) were notable inclusions, with both players having experience playing in the Middle East. This was likely a factor in Coach Hong’s decision, given the team’s poor record against Middle Eastern countries.

However, the roles of Park and Jeong were crucial in implementing the ‘La Volpiana’ tactic, which was a key factor in Coach Hong’s appointment as national team manager. Unfortunately, the original play styles of Park and Jeong do not fit this tactic, with Park relying on physical strength to protect the defensive line and Jeong’s greatest strength being his ability to provide.

The weakness was exposed as the build-up starting from the feet of Park or Jeong was not efficient, and when they ventured into the offensive zone, they showed limitations in their ball-keeping ability, leading to counterattack crises. This forced surrounding players to scramble to resolve the situation.

Public opinion is growing critical of Coach Hong’s tactics and player selection, with many questioning his ability to deliver an efficient and complete performance. Despite announcing an offensive tactic, the team’s build-up from the defensive zone has been creaky, leading to concerns about their chances in the tournament.