D-1 to Mexico Match: "Hoping to Surpass the Glory of 2002"

[Anchor]

The South Korean national football team will face Mexico, one of the co-hosts of the North and Central American World Cup, in their second group stage match tomorrow (June 19). Head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed his confidence in securing a second consecutive group stage victory, stating that all preparations are complete and the players are full of confidence.

Reporter Ha Sung-ryong has the story.

[Reporter]

From the players to the coaching staff, smiles are everywhere.

The national team, holding their final training session one day before the match against Mexico, was filled with energy rather than tension.

Having boosted their confidence with a comeback victory against the Czech Republic, head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed his anticipation for the second match against Mexico, declaring that all preparations are finished.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: The plan for the starting 11 is complete. I believe our players have strong confidence, and I hope that will be well-reflected on the pitch tomorrow.]

The national team, which drew with Mexico in a friendly match held in the United States last September, is aiming for its first-ever World Cup victory against Mexico in their third attempt.

When asked by a foreign reporter if the goal was to achieve the best result in history, he replied as follows:

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: We reached the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, and I hope our players can surpass that record.]

Hwang In-beom, the key player in the victory against the Czech Republic and identified by the Mexican media as the primary threat, expressed strong faith in his teammates.

[Hwang In-beom/Midfielder of the National Football Team: I hope (the Mexican players) pay a lot of attention to me. Because we have many better players on our team than me, I think more opportunities will go to those players.]

He also predicted that the battle in midfield would be crucial for the match against Mexico.

[Hwang In-beom/Midfielder of the National Football Team: Since Mexico is a team with excellent individual pressing ability, it will be very important how well we can evade that pressure.]

Having completed all preparations, the national team is determined to secure a second consecutive win in the match against Mexico—which is effectively a battle for first place in the group—to clinch an early spot in the Round of 32.

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