Daejeon: South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed confidence in his midfielders' performances despite injuries ahead of an upcoming friendly match against Bolivia. Key players are absent due to injuries, but Hong remains optimistic about the team's capabilities in the midfield.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, ranked 22nd globally, is set to face 76th-ranked Bolivia at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on Friday at 8 p.m. This match is the first of two friendlies for the Taegeuk Warriors this month, with a subsequent game against Ghana scheduled in Seoul on Tuesday. The team has faced setbacks as three midfielders have been ruled out due to injuries: Hwang In-beom of Feyenoord with a thigh injury, Paik Seung-ho of Birmingham City with a shoulder injury, and Lee Dong-gyeong of Ulsan HD FC with a broken rib.

During a prematch press conference in Daejeon, Hong shared that he conducted meetings with the midfielders to refine their strategies. He emphasized their understanding of the team's tactics, noting that these players are not new to the national team setup. Hong acknowledged the strength Bolivia demonstrated by defeating Brazil 1-0 in a recent World Cup qualifying match, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming friendly.

Hong stated that Bolivia's aggressive style, despite missing some players, will challenge South Korea. He hopes the match will test the team's ability to implement their strategies effectively. Additionally, Hong mentioned his ongoing search for the best lineup combination, balancing the importance of match results with fostering competition among players to keep them motivated.