Team Korea coach pleased with defensive effort in friendly loss to Austria

Even after his players suffered their second straight loss in a World Cup tuneup match, South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo noted the team's overall growth and stronger defensive effort in particular. South Korea dropped to Austria 1-0 in Vienna on Tuesday and finished their European trip with two straight losses. The Taegeuk Warriors endured a 4-0 defeat against Ivory Coast last Saturday near London. Hong argued South Korea still played "a good game against a quality opponent" in Austria and praised their bounceback after a lopsided loss only a few days earlier. "The way we conceded the goal was disappointing, but that's what these friendly matches are for. We get to identify our shortcomings, and we will address them as we get ready for the World Cup," Hong said at his post-match press conference. "We will pore over all the data we have on our hands to prepare for the World Cup." Hong also defended his continued deployment of the back-three formation, with three center backs flanked by wingbacks who are responsible for pushing forward in attack but also for retreating to create a defe

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