South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo said his players exceeded expectations in their 2-0 win over Jordan in a World Cup qualifying match in Amman on Thursday. Lee Jae-sung and Oh Hyeon-gyu each scored a goal at Amman International Stadium, giving South Korea their second consecutive victory in Group B during the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo directs his players during their Group B match against Jordan in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualification at Amman International Stadium in Amman on Oct. 10, 2024. (Yonhap) South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo directs his players during their Group B match against Jordan in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualification at Amman International Stadium in Amman on Oct. 10, 2024. (Yonhap) "I think these players performed better than expected, considering our preparation," Hong said. "We only had a short time to prepare for this match but I think we executed things we'd worked on perfectly. I want to congratulate the players on a job well done." Hong did not have the service of captain Son Heung-min, the Tottenham Hotspur star who was cut from the national team last week due to a hamstring injury. Son had suffered that injury during a UEFA Europa League match in late September. Hong initially named Son to his 26-man squad, hoping the 32-year-old would recover in time to play for the country. However, as Son remained sidelined for the Spurs, Hong had no choice but to replace Son. Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the only other Premier Leaguer for South Korea, got the start at Son's usual spot on the left wing. But Hwang had to leave the match in the 23rd minute due to an apparent leg injury. Hwang's replacement, Eom Ji-sung of Swansea City, exited the contest in the 51st minute with his own injury. Hong admitted he panicked a bit when both players had to be subbed out, but credited the remaining players for finishing the job. Hong also said Hwang is unlikely to play in So uth Korea's next match, against Iraq at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, just south of Seoul, on Tuesday. Hong remains under scrutiny at home due to circumstances surrounding his appointment in July. In announcing interim findings of its probe last week, the sports ministry said the Korea Football Association (KFA) had broken rules when hiring Hong, though such violations were not so blatant that Hong's contract should be voided. The ministry also said problems would have been prevented had the KFA gone ahead with negotiating with Hong, who was at the top of the list of candidates, instead of interviewing two foreign-born candidates ranked below him. That has not changed the minds of many angry football fans who continue to call for Hong's resignation. When asked if Thursday's win could help turn the tide, Hong responded, "That has nothing to do with this match. I am only thinking about what I am supposed to do as head coach of this team." Source: Yonhap News Agency
Myanmar Clears Path for Junta Leader to Become President
March 30, 2026