Hwang In-beom, Mexico's 'Top Target,' Says: "There Are Better Players Than Me"

"If they focus a lot of attention on me, it will create opportunities for my teammates."

Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), who delivered a stellar performance with one goal and one assist in the first match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressed confidence in securing another victory ahead of the second match against Mexico.

During a press conference held at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on the 18th (Korea Standard Time), one day before the Group A second match of the World Cup, Hwang said, "I tried to put the comeback win in the first match behind me quickly. I have focused on the second match, and I believe we can show a good performance and achieve a good result tomorrow."

The Mexican media has identified the midfield as South Korea's greatest strength.

Hwang, who can be called the "core of the midfield," is considered Mexico's "top target."

Regarding this, Hwang said, "As a player, I am grateful for such an assessment. I hope they pay a lot of attention to me," adding, "If they focus on me in tomorrow's match, there are many players on our team who are better than me, so opportunities will go to them."

He added, "What matters is how well we can demonstrate the performance we prepared as a team. I have faith that our attackers will capitalize on their chances."

Hwang also noted, "The Czech Republic and Mexico are teams with completely different characteristics. The preparation process was different, but it remains unchanged that both are important matches," and continued, "Mexico has strong pressure. It will be important how well we, as a team, can break through that. Their transition speed is also very fast. We have prepared thoroughly for those aspects."

Regarding Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), the core of the three-back defensive line, he said, "I hope Min-jae will hold the center well in tomorrow's match as well," adding, "I trust not only Min-jae but all of our players."

Mexico features Santiago Giménez, who briefly played alongside Hwang at Feyenoord.

Hwang said, "Santiago is a good striker. It was a shame that we couldn't spend much time together as Santiago transferred to the prestigious club AC Milan (Italy). If we both play in tomorrow's match, I hope we can both show a good performance. I think I should briefly share with our players what aspects of Santiago we need to be cautious about."

The Group A second match of the World Cup between South Korea and Mexico will be held at Guadalajara Stadium at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.