[Anchor]
To advance to the Round of 32 in the World Cup, winning the first match is essential. There are predictions that the stadium atmosphere will be in our favor. Thanks to the "Korean Wave" sweeping the globe, it is highly likely that our team will receive support as if they were playing a home game.
Pyeon Gwanghyeon reports from the United States.
[Reporter]
In Group A, where there are no clear favorites or underdogs, the prevailing view is that while host nation Mexico has a slight edge, South Korea and the Czech Republic will engage in a fierce competition.
Foreign media covering our group in the U.S. and Mexico share the same assessment, and journalists in Mexico, where the match will be held, generally predict a victory for South Korea.
[Korea will win.]
[They are a really good team.]
[Korea will win.]
Due to the recent "Korean Wave" in Mexico, interest in K-culture has surged, leading to expectations that our national team will receive overwhelming support from Guadalajara fans on match day.
[Go Korea national team!]
[Paola / Foreign Correspondent in Mexico: Most Mexican fans who know 'K-Drama' or 'K-Pop' will be cheering for Korea. It will be an important variable in the first match.]
Furthermore, it is expected that our team will have an advantage in adaptation, as they have been training in an environment identical to the stadium, including altitude, weather, and grass conditions.
On the other hand, the Czech Republic, currently training in Mansfield, U.S., is struggling with sweltering heat that reached 37°C (99°F) this afternoon.
[Chermar / Czech Journalist: For me, coming from the Czech Republic, it is really hard to adapt to such hot weather. The national team players will feel the same. It is an unfamiliar situation.]
The first match, which will determine the path to the Round of 32, is considered the most critical turning point on the main stage.
The sprint for the first victory has begun.
(Video by Hwang In-seok, Video Editing by Park Jeong-sam, Graphics by Hwang Se-yeon)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.