Jun 30, 2026 · 31 min · 11 segments
The final installment of our 2026 World Cup specials following South Korea's disappointing early exit. Paul and Nathan look at what went wrong, whether Korea deserved to go through even as one of the…
Paul NeatHost
Nathan SartainHost
And for the latest news and the newspaper reaction, it's time to pick the ball out of the back of the net at the back post.
The news, of course, South Korea are out of the World Cup and Hong Yong-bo, the head coach, has resigned.
South Korea's campaign ended in disappointment with elimination earlier than expected.
Performances have been widely criticised for tactical conservatism, a lack of attacking edge and game management issues in key moments.
He took responsibility for the team's failure and acknowledged that expectations were not met in a tournament where Korea were hoping for a run to at least a round of 16.
His appointment, initially made years earlier, of course, 2024, was again pulled into focus this week with renewed criticism about the selection process, governance and whether footballing merits or political interference or influence played too large a role.
President Lee Jae-myung and senior political figures publicly commented on the situation, framing the exit as a broader national sporting disappointment and indirectly intensified pressure on football authorities to explain systematic failures.
Reports indicate a structured review of how national team coaches are selected, including whether proper procedures were followed in the appointment of Hong Yong-bo.
Multiple reports highlight that the probe is expected to dig into claims that Hong's hiring involved bypassing or weakening of formal selection committee processes.
This is being framed as a system failure, not just football failure, which is why it's perhaps escalated.
The focus would be on accountability, use of public funds and oversight of football governance.
And for the latest news and the newspaper reaction, it's time to pick the ball out of the back of the net at the back post.
The news, of course, South Korea are out of the World Cup and Hong Yong-bo, the head coach, has resigned.
South Korea's campaign ended in disappointment with elimination earlier than expected.
Performances have been widely criticised for tactical conservatism, a lack of attacking edge and game management issues in key moments.
He took responsibility for the team's failure and acknowledged that expectations were not met in a tournament where Korea were hoping for a run to at least a round of 16.
His appointment, initially made years earlier, of course, 2024, was again pulled into focus this week with renewed criticism about the selection process, governance and whether footballing merits or political interference or influence played too large a role.
President Lee Jae-myung and senior political figures publicly commented on the situation, framing the exit as a broader national sporting disappointment and indirectly intensified pressure on football authorities to explain systematic failures.
Reports indicate a structured review of how national team coaches are selected, including whether proper procedures were followed in the appointment of Hong Yong-bo.
Multiple reports highlight that the probe is expected to dig into claims that Hong's hiring involved bypassing or weakening of formal selection committee processes.
This is being framed as a system failure, not just football failure, which is why it's perhaps escalated.
The focus would be on accountability, use of public funds and oversight of football governance.
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