"There is a sense of responsibility to play well."

Head coach Hong Myung-bo of the South Korea national football team will face Oman at 8 p.m. on the 20th at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province for the 7th match of Group B in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifiers. They will then play Jordan in the 8th match at 8 p.m. on the 25th at Suwon Stadium.

Currently, South Korea is maintaining first place in Group B with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws). Iraq (11 points), Jordan (9 points), Oman (6 points), Kuwait (4 points), and Palestine (3 points) follow. The top two teams in each group of the qualifiers will receive direct tickets to the finals.

If South Korea wins both matches in March and earns 6 points, they will secure their qualification for the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time early, regardless of the results of their matches against Iraq and Kuwait in June.

On the eve of the match, at 5:30 p.m. on the 19th, head coach Hong Myung-bo (56) and team captain Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) held a pre-match press conference at Goyang Stadium, where the game will be held.

Son Heung-min began, "Yesterday (the 18th), all the players joined and became a team. I think there will be high expectations from the fans as it is our first match of the year. The players also feel a strong sense of responsibility to play well for us. I believe it is important for the players to show what we can do on the field. Just like the saying that the first button is important, I hope we can start the first match of the year well."

Next is a Q&A session with Son Heung-min.

The two matches are really important. If we win both, we will confirm our qualification for the World Cup early. If I play both matches, I will be ranked 3rd in appearances along with Lee Woon-jae. We are rewriting history, what does it mean to you as a player?

-While it would be nice to secure the World Cup ticket early while preparing for the final qualifiers, it only appears to be an easy situation. We must not forget the difficult circumstances the players overcame. I believe the players deserve to be praised. These two matches are really important, but in football, I have never thought about the next match before playing the first one. The first match is significant as it's the first time this year that all players meet the fans, so there is a great sense of responsibility. I hope it leads to a good result.

(Regarding appearance rankings) I have no feelings about personal achievements. I believe I wouldn’t have been able to have such a long career with the national team without the support of my teammates, coaching staff, and even those who helped along the way. I want to credit them. I still believe there is more I can do and feel a sense of responsibility to give back what I have received. Instead of thinking about records, I prioritize giving back in any way I can.

There was the UEFA Europa League in March, along with league matches. It was a tough schedule with many substitutions. Some were concerned about fitness. How is your current condition?

-My physical condition is very good. As I have said repeatedly, my body is in the best shape ever. Given the number of matches, I believe the club coach made the choice to create a better situation for me. My fitness is quite good, and I am maintaining a good condition now.

Many newcomers have joined the team. What advice have you provided?

-When I see new players, it reminds me of my first time. I don't know. I just tell them not to be too shy. If being shy affects their performance, it’s harmful for both the team and themselves.

The national team consists of players who are currently playing the best football and are in good condition, coming together to achieve one goal. The gathering period is really short. I hope we won’t waste the opportunity we have long dreamed of by being shy or timid.

We gathered yesterday and talked about such things after our training. The players are very close. I always see them showing a good appearance. As a captain, I am proud and have a full desire and ambition for them to do even better.

Tottenham is in a difficult situation. Are you expecting a different performance with the national team?

-I believe it is a completely different association. I have been with Tottenham for 10 years, bearing a lot of affection and running towards one goal. I view the national team as a dream-like place and approach the gathering with that mindset. I maintain my unwavering heart. I also carry a sense of duty to perform well. Although we are the same players, my mindset for the two is slightly different.

It is a story that is hard to explain. Playing in the Premier League was a childhood dream, but representing my country is a bigger dream than I ever imagined. It is a precious opportunity for me. I will do my best to perform well in this precious opportunity again.

This is the A-match held at home after 5 months. Many fans are looking forward to a goal against Oman.

-Before the match, the questions are really burdensome (laughs). I believe I have a role to play. I need to create chances, make good decisions to generate opportunities, and it is undeniable that scoring is my role. Given how difficult and challenging it has been with my club, every time I see football fans in Korea, I receive a lot of energy.

Many fans will come to the stadium to cheer us on, so we cannot disappoint them. I hope we can prepare well, exchanging opinions with the players, so that even though it will be cold, the fans will come to have a fun match, and we can show good results and exciting football.

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