Finally a 'Full Squad of 26'... Aiming for First-Ever Consecutive Group Stage Wins

[Anchor]

Welcome news has arrived for our national team, just four days before the second match against Mexico. Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyun, who had been sidelined due to injuries, have returned to training, marking the first time since the tournament began that all 26 players have participated in full training sessions. With a "full-strength" squad, the Hong Myung-bo unit is now aiming for its first-ever consecutive wins in the group stage.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

The national team was full of energy ahead of the match against Mexico.

Kim Min-jae, the anchor of the defense, drew laughter from his teammates with a bit of physical comedy.

[Kim Min-jae: I'm actually a golfer~]

Oh Hyeon-gyu even took off his shirt to reenact his comeback goal from the match against the Czech Republic, filling the air with laughter.

[Yang Hyun-jun: (He said) it was easier to receive a cross from In-beom than from me.]

[Oh Hyeon-gyu: Hyun-jun, don't you know what I want?]

With Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyun returning to training four days before the Mexico match, the team has reached its full capacity of 26 players, further boosting the squad's confidence.

The addition of Bae Jun-ho, a "super joker" in the attack known for his dribbling and ball-keeping skills, and Kim Tae-hyun, a left-footed center-back capable of playing both on the flank and in the center, provides more diverse options for both offense and defense.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo now faces a "happy dilemma" regarding the left side of the three-back formation, choosing between Lee Ki-hyuk, who performed brilliantly against the Czech Republic, and Kim Tae-hyun.

Uruguayan referee Tejera has been appointed as the head referee for the match against Mexico.

As Tejera makes his World Cup debut, he is known for a somewhat strict officiating style, averaging five yellow cards per match, which will require our players to exercise caution.

(Video coverage: Hwang In-seok, Video editing: Ha Seong-won)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.