The Group B opener in Seoul is his first game as national team boss since he was reappointed in July, 10 years after an ignominious exit following South Korea's group-phase elimination at the 2014 World Cup.
"The regrets from my past experience with the national team have stayed with me throughout my life,” Hong told the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) official website.
"With this new opportunity, I am committed to fulfilling my duty for the development of Korean football." The 55-year-old former defender has taken over after a period of instability within the set-up, stepping in as the long-term replacement for Jurgen Klinsmann.
This story is from the September 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the September 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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