Now give me some proper detail
When South Korea departed for their high-altitude training camp in Utah (they play all three group-stage matches in Mexico, two of which are in the thin air of Guadalajara) there was none of the usual fanfare, nor for the first time since 1986 a farewell send off game.
It felt symbolic of where the national team and their embattled coach sit within the national consciousness.
Hong Myung-Bo guided the Taeguk Warriors to an 11th consecutive World Cup as the only unbeaten Asian side in qualifying, but instead of that fuelling optimism a cloud of negativity has hung over their World Cup preperations.
The coach is a lightning rod for criticism and even his legendary playing career stopped offering him protection from the wrath of fans and media a long-time ago.
A controversial interview by his Portuguese assistant Joao Aroso, since deleted and blamed on poor translation, led to accusations that Hong is merely a ‘puppet’ and doesn’t actually coach the team.
He can ill-afford to not add to their measly tally of just seven wins in 38 World Cup matches – three of which came in 2002 alone – especially as their draw looks so favourable.
Progressing out of Group A that contains Mexico (15th in world rankings), Czech Republic (41) & South Africa (60) is a basic requirement, but few have conviction that he’s the man to carry them further.