On November 18 at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo District, the men’s national football friendly match between South Korea and Ghana ended in a 1–0 victory for Korea. The Ghanaian squad was missing many of its key players and was effectively regarded as a second-string team. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s men’s national soccer team secured a narrow 1–0 win over a depleted Ghana side in Seoul on Tuesday, but the labored victory has intensified concerns about the team’s form less than seven months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the result, the performance was widely described as “shocking” by fans and analysts.
The team managed just one shot in the first half—a tame header from a corner—and struggled to mount coherent attacks, with both Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in repeatedly dropping deep in search of solutions that never materialized.
The disjointed display fueled comparisons to the more structured, possession-based style under former head coach Paulo Bento, with many supporters expressing nostalgia for the previous era.
Ghana’s coach Otto Addo added fuel to the debate last week when he said South Korea had “not yet reached Japan’s level,” a remark that many Korean fans reluctantly agreed with after watching Tuesday’s match.
Son Heung-min sprints to take control of the ball. (Yonhap)
Head coach Hong Myung-bo made eight changes from the lineup that beat Bolivia 2–0 last week, retaining only Son, Lee and Kim Min-jae from his core squad. Even so, the rotated Ghana team—missing many first-choice players—exposed Korea’s lack of tactical organization.
The winning goal came not from a coordinated attacking sequence but from individual brilliance. In the 63rd minute, Lee Kang-in delivered a sharp cross from the right, which Lee Tae-seok headed home to break the deadlock. It was reminiscent of the Bolivia match, where Son’s spectacular free kick masked broader structural issues.
Although results mattered—the November friendlies were crucial for securing a Pot 2 placement in next year’s World Cup draw—the performances have heightened anxiety about Korea’s readiness for the tournament.
Korea currently sits more than 50 FIFA ranking spots above both Bolivia and Ghana’s young squad, yet looked uncomfortable and unconvincing in both games.
Traditionally, South Korea’s national football team games were almost always sold out. But the team’s recent disappointing performances — more specifically, growing frustration over the lack of coherent tactics — are now showing up in the number of empty seats. The photo shows large sections of vacant seats in the stands. (Yonhap)
With most key players fully fit, in form for their clubs, and accustomed to playing together, excuses were scarce. “This level of play raises real doubts about whether the team can be competitive next year,” one commentator said.
Korea’s remaining friendlies in March and June are now seen as pivotal. Analysts argue that the team must shift its focus from results to rebuilding its tactical foundation. Without rapid improvement, they warn, Hong’s stated aim of reaching the quarterfinals in 2026 may be out of reach—if not the group stage itself.
In the second half, Son Heung-min is substituted and greets Coach Hong Myung-bo as he leaves the field.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
