South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo urges players to not dwell on Mexico defeat

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/south-korea/K6Gs7P6G/"]South ‌Korea[/a] conceded early in the second half ‌when goalkeeper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/kim-seung-gyu/xh6I9nD4/"]Kim Seung-gyu[/a] lost control of a ‌high ball under pressure, allowing [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/romo-luis/KjqnJo1F/"]Luis Romo[/a] to ‌score.[/p][p][b]"The goal we conceded was regrettable, but there is no need to hang our heads,"[/b] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hong-myung-bo/8tOg96vJ/"]Hong[/a] told reporters. [b]"The ‌result is disappointing, but I believe ⁠the players executed ‌the plans we prepared for this game well."[/b][/p][p]Hong said ​South Korea had expected [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/mexico/O6iHcNkd/"]Mexico[/a] to press aggressively from the start and had focused ​on surviving the early stages without conceding.[/p][p][b]"It was crucial not to concede until the 20th minute ⁠of the first ​half, and the players held on well,"[/b] he added.[/p][p]"After that, the game's rhythm shifted to our side, and we were able to lead in ‌both pressing and game management."[/p][image alt="Match stats" id="ced80e9e-07b6-43ef-9fb8-a2ea90208029" credit-line="StatsPerform via Opta" guid="7700b107-10d3-4bc4-9306-36879dc168c3" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p]Hong declined to blame Kim directly for the goal, saying he had yet to review the collision that led to the mistake.[/p][p][b]"There was pushing between players in that scene, and I think a mistake occurred in that process," [/b]he said.[/p][p]Despite the loss, South Korea remain in contention to reach the round of ‌32, with three points from two matches. ​Mexico lead the group with six points, while ‌the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/czech-republic/6LHwBDGU/"]Czech Republic[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/south-africa/W2ijYvlr/"]South Africa[/a] have one point each.[/p][p]South Korea face South Africa in their [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/mexico-O6iHcNkd/south-korea-K6Gs7P6G/?mid=On5HOkVj"]final group match on Wednesday in Monterrey[/a].[/p][p][b]"South Africa is a team with good speed,"[/b] ⁠Hong said. [b]"We need ⁠to prepare tactically ‌well."[/b][/p][infobox id="4ccc1b10-d68f-4c97-bcf4-5e613c17c2e3" /]