This North and Central America tournament, which was eliminated early due to the worst performance in Korean soccer history, left only a bitter question mark instead of the emotion and romance of the World Cup.
Despite the evaluation of having built a 'golden generation' led by 'Captain' Son Heung-min (LAFC), there remain heavy questions that need to be addressed from various angles, such as the cause of the collapse, the gap with the trend of world soccer, and future plans for rebuilding the national team.
To look at the past and look at the current crisis, we met with former coach Paulo Bento, who was at the helm for four years and experienced first-hand the Korean Football Association's system and team atmosphere.
He, who watched Korea's group stage matches closely during the tournament, diagnosed in a video interview with Yonhap News after Korea's elimination was confirmed, "This is not a problem that can normally be blamed on one or two people."
He continued, โIt is important to go back to the beginning, clearly acknowledge each personโs responsibility, and look back from square one from 1 to 10 to rebuild.โ
The Korean national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, was ranked 34th out of 48 countries with 1 win and 2 losses in the group stage of this tournament, failing to advance to the round of 32 tournament.
In the first game, the team got off to a good start with a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic, but the tournament ended early as they lost 0-1 to the host country, Mexico, and even lost 0-1 to South Africa, who they thought were one step behind.
Former coach Bento said, "Because the result of the first game was good, expectations inside and outside the team were bound to increase," and added, "I was also very impressed with Korea's performance in the second half of the first game."
He continued, "It is difficult to accept results like this, but in soccer, surprises often happen where a team that was considered weak defeats a strong team. This time, Korea just experienced that surprise, and the key is whether they can overcome this failure and move forward."
His advice becomes even more meaningful in conjunction with his performance at the Qatar World Cup.
Former coach Bento, who took the helm of Korea in September 2018, led the team tenaciously over a four-year journey and advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, and left the team without renewing his contract.
At the time, Korea was placed in a group with strong players such as Uruguay, Ghana, and Portugal, and warmed the hearts of fans by playing leading soccer that did not back down.
In the final match of Group H, where they were on the precipice of 1 draw and 1 loss, they showed their indomitable fighting spirit by miraculously beating Portugal 2-1.
What was so different between now and 4 years ago?
Former coach Bento avoided direct evaluation of soccer under coach Hong Myung-bo, but pointed out 'consistency' as an essential condition for Korean soccer to regain competitiveness.
He cited โthe strong trust that existed between the manager, coaching staff, and players even in difficult situationsโ as one of the major driving forces behind their advancement to the round of 16 four years ago.
Former coach Bento recalled, "When I first took office, the most important thing was to establish the team's unique tactical color and create a way to lead each other," and "I thought the most important thing was to strengthen the system based on mutual trust with the players and to make the players believe in themselves and the process."
He continued, โWe had to go through numerous crises and difficult moments at the time, but because we had faith in each other, we were able to show our potential even in a cliffhanger situation ahead of the final match against Portugal in the group stage.โ
In addition, former coach Bento analyzed that the absolute difference in time when they were able to work together as a 'one team' may have had a significant impact on the result.
Immediately after taking charge, Coach Bento began to introduce so-called 'build-up soccer' to the national team, where he leads the game by increasing ball possession based on passing work.
In the process of improving the national team's constitution, crises continued to arise, but he unwaveringly maintained the tactical framework he had established throughout the four years since his inauguration.
With a consistent tactical stance, 'Benvote soccer' gradually improved its perfection, and finally showed its true value on the biggest stage, the World Cup.
Former coach Bento pointed out, "I was able to fully command a team for a little over four years, but after I left, Korea went through as many as four head coaches over four years, including acting."
He added, โThis is something I would like the Korea Football Association to consider at least once in the process of considering its future steps,โ and emphasized, โSufficient time must be given for coaches to build trust with players, maximize their strengths, and establish a solid playing style.โ
Lastly, he said, "I know that many changes will follow internally, including in the association's board of directors and leadership," and added, "But in my opinion, the most important key is this. In order to lead Korean soccer in a better direction, all members must calmly analyze and consider their roles and responsibilities in their respective positions."
