Second Match Against Mexico Today... "Aiming to Surpass 2002 and Write a New Legend"

[Anchor]

Following the 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic and South Africa early this morning (June 19), if our national football team defeats Mexico today, we will advance to the Round of 32 as the group winner, regardless of the remaining matches. Hong Myung-bo, a key figure in the 2002 semifinal run, expressed his hope that his juniors will surpass their predecessors and write a new legend.

Our first report comes from Guadalajara, with reporter Lee Jung-chan.

[Reporter]

The players were all smiles as they headed into their final training session ahead of the match against Mexico.

Captain Son Heung-min led the team with a bright expression, and the players prepared for the "decisive battle" as if they were playing a game.

Hwang In-beom, the MVP of the Czech Republic match, sounded particularly energetic.

[It's mine~]

Head coach Hong Myung-bo stated that all preparations are complete, and expressed his wish for his players to surpass the record he helped set as captain of the 2002 national team—the best-ever performance by an Asian nation, reaching the semifinals.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: We reached the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, and I truly hope our players can go beyond that record. My plans for the starting 11 are set.]

Regarding the appearance of an "unauthorized drone" that had not been approved by FIFA two days ago, when the team was focusing on closed-door tactical training, he expressed strong regret.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: I think it is a matter of great regret that such things happened during the most important time.]

Since a victory over Mexico could secure an early spot in the Round of 32 with the first-ever two-game winning streak in the group stage, the team switched to closed-door training to refine their attacking tactics against Mexico's solid organization, using virtual defenders.

The off-field cheering battle has already heated up.

With passionate and one-sided support expected from Mexican home fans, about 100 of our "Red Devils" gathered at a square in downtown Guadalajara to shout "Dae-han-min-guk" (Republic of Korea) at the top of their lungs, vowing to join the team as the "12th player" tomorrow.

[Dae-han-min-guk! Dae-han-min-guk!]

The match against Mexico is a challenge toward another legend.

A victory in the second match, the first in our history, is essential.

Reported by Hwang In-seok | Video by Jeon Min-gyu | Graphics by Park Tae-young
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.