Hong Myung-bo Returns with High Hopes for South Korea's World Cup Quest

South Korea's coach Hong Myung-bo aims to overcome past setbacks as he leads the national team in the World Cup qualifiers against Palestine in Group B. Having returned a decade after his departure, Hong seeks to stabilize the team post-Klinsmann era and achieve an 11th consecutive World Cup berth.

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo is making a significant return to the international stage, striving to put past disappointments behind him as he leads the team against Palestine in Seoul. This match marks the beginning of the third phase of Asia's World Cup qualifiers.

This Group B opener is particularly noteworthy as it is Hong's first game as head coach since his reappointment in July. His return comes a decade after his exit following South Korea's group stage elimination at the 2014 World Cup. 'The regrets from my past experience with the national team have stayed with me throughout my life,' Hong shared with the Asian Football Confederation.

Hong's leadership follows a period of instability, as he steps in as the long-term replacement for Juergen Klinsmann, who left after his team was ousted in the Asian Cup semi-finals. Interim coaches Hwang Sun-hong and Kim Do-hoon guided the team in the interim. Hong aims to guide South Korea to an 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, starting with a game against Palestine and onward to Oman.

(With inputs from agencies.)