The prevailing opinion is that Korea's performance in Group A of this group stage did not meet expectations. It seemed like they were off to a good start with a win against the Czech Republic, but after losing against Mexico, they suffered the humiliation of falling to 3rd place in their group by falling 0-1 in the final match against South Africa. In particular, there is an analysis that Monterrey's hot and humid climate and poor environment accelerated the decline of players' physical strength, but the fundamental problem of lack of tactical response and decision-making cannot be overlooked. Coach Hong Myung-bo hoped to write a new history in Monterrey, the legendary mecca of the 1983 Youth World Cup semifinals, but the reality was that the team returned with a cold report card, on the verge of being eliminated from the group stage.

Under the system of this tournament, which has been expanded to 48 countries, the top 8 teams among the 3rd place in the group are also given a ticket to the round of 32, so there is still a glimmer of hope. Currently, Korea has secured 3 points and is in a position where they have to watch the results of other groups' matches and determine the performance rankings of the 3rd place teams. It is a complex structure in which Korea's chances of advancing to the round of 32 can only be revived if the competing countries either lose in the remaining three matches of the group stage from Group D to Group L, or win by more than a certain point difference and widen the goal difference. The fact that fans desperately wish for the victory of other countries such as Japan, Australia, and Germany symbolically shows the desperate situation of the national team, which has no choice but to rely on mathematical probability.

Meanwhile, Japan's progress as an 'Asian powerhouse' stands in stark contrast to Korea's. Although Japan has maintained second place in its group by showing overwhelming performance against African teams such as Tunisia, it is said that it has risen to a world-class level by competing on equal footing with powerhouses such as the Netherlands in the process. Japan's record of breaking the record for the most points scored by an Asian team in the World Cup, including taking a 4-0 lead in the group stage, suggests what a huge mountain our national team must overcome in the future in terms of organizational strength and depth of player base. While the Netherlands shakes up Group F by defeating Sweden 5-1, an interesting situation is being created where Japan's performance is directly related to Korea's ability to join the round of 32.

Even if Korea miraculously succeeds in advancing to the round of 32, the opponents waiting for them will be formidable. This is because a showdown awaits against Germany, which is likely to take first place in Group E, or against world-class powers such as Belgium or Egypt. The possibility of a reunion with Belgium, which inflicted a painful defeat on coach Hong Myung-bo during the 2014 Brazil World Cup, or the powerful attack power of Egypt, led by 'Pharaoh' Mohamed Salah, prove that the round of 32 tournament is by no means an easy path. Nevertheless, fans are earnestly hoping that the national team, led by Son Heung-min, will show their fighting spirit once again and show Korea's potential on the world stage.