South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo has said that he is to blame for his country's early exit from the World Cup in Brazil.

Defeat to Belgium confirmed the fate of the 2002 semi-finalists, but rather than blame his players, Myung-Bo was quick to accept responsibility while building up the long-term prospects of his squad.

He told KBS: "We played attacking football but conceded a goal via counter-attack. We could not help it. The players did their best. The most disappointing man was myself.

"Korean players are young and they have bright future. I hope that they develop. They had good experience this World Cup."

Myung-Bo became manager of the national side in 2013, after spells in charge of the country's Under-20 and Under-23 teams.