KAZAN, Russia, June 27 (Xinhua) -- South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong said that his team had used "reversed strategy" to achieve a historic victory over the reigning world champions Germany in a Group F match here on Wednesday.
"I thought about what mistakes Germany might make, because they probably felt they would be able to beat us - that's what everybody thought. So I thought we could use that as a reverse strategy and I think that has really hit the nail on the head," said the coach at the post-match press conference.
The South Koreans, putting up a good fight, forced a 2-0 stunner over the defending champions. It was the third encounter of Germany and South Korea at a World Cup tournament, with Germany victorious in both of the previous two meetings.
Shin has told his players previously that they had only a one-percent chance to win.
"I told my players it really was a last-ditch effort for them and I told them that they had to fight until the end," said Shin.
"As I said yesterday, ball possession will definitely in favor of Germany, but we will have our opportunities. Our opponents needed the victory more than us, so when our opportunity arose, we have to take advantage of that opportunity, I think that worked in our favor," he said.
Regarding the victory, Shin said he felt both great and a bit empty.
Despite the victory, South Korea still failed to qualify for the knockout stage as Mexico lost to Sweden 3-0 in the other Group F match. According to previous standings, to progress to the round of 16, South Korea needed to beat Germany by at least two goals while having Mexico beat Sweden.
Shin said that he and his team didn't hear about the loss of Mexico until after their own match was finished.
Although their World Cup trip was ending here, Shin said that he saw hope in the future of South Korea football, as they "did manage to beat Germany, which is the world's No. 1 according to FIFA ranking."
"We will review this match and other matches, and we will grow," said Shin.
He also praised the hosts' good preparation and organization, saying that although his team could not go on playing, he believes the tournament would be a success till the end.
