"I thought he was crazy at the time. This is why managers earn billions"... BBC praises Hong Myung-bo [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] A cold, calculating master tactician has taken over the global stage. On the unforgiving main stage of a major tournament, where results are everything, even the notoriously demanding British public broadcaster bowed in praise of the manager's bold decision at a decisive moment.
As the South Korea national football team defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in its opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on the 12th (Korean time), foreign media have been showering Hong Myung-bo with praise for his tactical polish and bold use of substitutions.
The strongest reaction came from the BBC.
During BBC Radio 5 Live's broadcast that day, Clinton Morrison, a commentator and former Republic of Ireland striker, paid tribute to Hong Myung-bo's substitution in the 24th minute of the second half, which completely changed the flow of the game. In fact, up until the moment he made the change at the key turning point, Morrison had expressed doubt, calling it "a somewhat strange and surprising decision."

But it was a calculated gamble based on Hong's meticulous tactical planning and deep trust in his bench options. After Hong set the stage by saying that it was "a chance for someone to come on as a substitute and become a hero," substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu (BJK) scored the dramatic winner in the 35th minute of the second half, just 11 minutes after entering the pitch, by finishing Hwang In-beom's precise cross with a perfect left-footed first-time shot. It was the moment when the manager's tactical insight was proven to be exactly right.
After the final whistle, Morrison completely reversed his assessment and did not hold back in his praise.
He admitted, "At the time, I wasn't sure whether that decision was the right one, but in the end Hong Myung-bo was absolutely right. Oh Hyeon-gyu gave South Korea a great victory." He added, "This was a scene that precisely showed why managers are paid so much money in major tournaments and proved the value of that role."
Foreign media analyzed that South Korea had clearly outclassed the Czech Republic not just in the comeback itself, but in overall game management.

Morrison said, "At one point in the second half, the Czech Republic pressed hard, but in terms of overall quality, South Korea was the much better team." He added, "South Korea had a clear edge in attacking quality and excellent substitute options that could completely change the flow of the game." He also said, "With this valuable three points from the opening match, South Korea will comfortably advance through the group stage and reach the knockout rounds," expressing confidence that Hong Myung-bo's team now has a clear path ahead.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter