In Manager Moreno's debut, the Korean national team showcased new potential with a complete victory, demonstrating strong pressure and aggressive tactics.
As the match between South Korea and Ecuador began, the changed face of Korean football under Manager Moreno became apparent.
Song Min-kyu and Jeong Seung-won were selected instead of Lee Kang-in, and unlike the previous managerial system, the players' active pressing and work rate were emphasized, showing improved ability to transition quickly into counterattacks against opponent pressure.
The fighting spirit of immediately joining the defense upon losing possession of the ball was prominent, and the high pressing intensity of the attacking line further enhanced game concentration.
The fighting spirit of immediately joining the defense upon losing possession of the ball was also confirmed, which is interpreted as having a positive impact on players' tension and performance improvement due to the introduction of a starting lineup competition system.
Attackers press very hard in modern football, so they can lose the ball. But it's really great to see them go back and defend when they lose possession, as long as it's not a huge mistake.
Korea displayed a solid defense from the first half, employing a defensive pattern of strong pressing from the first and second lines.
However, Ecuador effectively blocked Korea's crosses by sealing off the side spaces, showing some shortcomings in offensive finishing.
At the end of the first half, there were calls for tactical adjustments in offense and player substitutions.
A total of 8 yellow cards were issued to both teams in the first half alone, and a rough tackle by an Ecuadorian player, in particular, posed a risk of injury to Song Min-kyu, raising concerns about player safety.
In particular, Song Min-kyu was at risk of an ankle injury due to a rough tackle by an Ecuadorian player, and a total of 8 yellow cards were issued to both teams in the first half alone, raising concerns about player safety.
As a result of strong first-half pressing, South Korea scored the opening goal through a deflected shot, leading 1-0.
Subsequently, Son Heung-min's free-kick was successful, leading to a 2-0 score, which served as an opportunity to demonstrate a distinctly different performance from the previous managerial system through substitutions and tactical changes.
Unlike past performances where they struggled against FIFA rank 25 opponents during the World Cup, the current national team shows a distinctly different aspect in terms of game management.
In the past, they were criticized as 'earthworms of Asia,' but the content of this match has clearly improved compared to before, eliciting anticipation and astonishment for the current national team's game management.
Expressing regret over past unfair criticism, it was clarified that Seol Young-woo's personality controversy was merely banter with his seniors.
During the previous manager's tenure, there were criticisms that defensive instability was due to a lack of players, but in this match, the defense showed a completely different appearance.
Strong pressing and active line control were characteristic, and players maintaining their positions and showing a solidified presence confirmed that overall organized defense, including fullbacks and wingbacks, was taking place.
Local fans enthusiastically called him 'Bong-theus' for his tactical change of immediately sending the ball forward instead of passing it backward.
In particular, the tactical change of immediately connecting the ball forward without turning back when possessing it was emphasized, and his single pass created several decisive opportunities.
He received high praise, to the extent of being called 'Bong-theus' by local fans.
Showcasing overwhelming performance even without Lee Kang-in, it demonstrated new possibilities for Korean football. Compared to the debut performances of past foreign managers from Bonfrere to Bento, this victory is considered a signal of revival.
The excellent performance even without Lee Kang-in was highly praised, and it was an outstanding result compared to the debut performances of previous foreign managers (such as Bonfrere, Advocaat, Verbeek, Bento).
The 3-0 decisive victory, with goals from Oh Yeong-gyu, Son Heung-min, and Lee Dong-gyeong, revealed new possibilities for Korean football.
A tactical identity aiming for a Spanish-style football was confirmed, and the match, where players' individual skills and teamwork harmonized, instilled pride in Korean football among fans.
The movement of teammates receiving Oh Se-hun's pass and advancing without delay was emphasized, demonstrating an aggressive tactical change away from the past game management focused on horizontal passes.
This result is even more meaningful as it was achieved despite the absence of Lee Kang-in.
He stood shoulder to shoulder with the debut victory records of past foreign managers such as Bonfrere, Advocaat, Pim Verbeek, and Bento, and it is a contrasting result to Manager Klinsmann's debut draw.
Answers come from the transcript, with the exact spot cited.
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