South Korea leaves World Cup in turmoil as early exit prompts fierce criticism from president

SEOUL: (Jun 28) (AP) South Korea left the World Cup in turmoil after the team’s quick elimination from the group stage that drew heavy criticism from the country’s president and South Korea media reports that coach Hong Myung-bo had quit.

South Korea won its opening match against Czech Republic, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.

South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advance in this year’s expanded tournament. That ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.