Seoul: About to wrap up his first full year on his second tour of duty as head coach of the South Korean men's national football team, Hong Myung-bo said Monday he has been happy with his players' efforts on and off the field. South Korea will wrap up their 2025 international calendar by hosting Ghana at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The Taegeuk Warriors have so far recorded seven wins, three draws, and two losses for the year under Hong, who took over the team in the summer of 2024, a decade after his first stint as bench boss.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong expressed his intentions to accomplish the goals set for the November window with perfection in their upcoming match. "We will try to deliver a win for our fans to finish off the year," Hong said at his prematch press conference at the Seoul stadium. Reflecting on the team's progress with the FIFA World Cup only a few months away, Hong acknowledged the challenges of achieving perfection but praised the overall work of his players.

"The level of dedication and work ethic that our players have shown this year has been better than anything I've seen on other teams in the past," Hong stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining current form and staying prepared for the World Cup. Hong highlighted the necessity of executing plays on the field and having good tactics, noting that his players have a solid understanding of these fundamental needs. "Based on what I've seen from them since last year, I am feeling optimistic about our preparations for the World Cup," he concluded.