Lee Young-pyo Picks Son Heung-min as Key Man Against Mexico: "Still a Threat"

Lee Young-pyo, a key figure in South Korea's historic run to the semifinals of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, has named Son Heung-min (LAFC) as the "key man" for Hong Myung-bo's squad in their upcoming match against Mexico.

Lee, who is currently working as a commentator for KBS, shared his outlook on the match while speaking with reporters on June 18 (Korea Standard Time) at the Chivas Valle Verde training ground, where the South Korean team held their final training session ahead of their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico.

"In the match against the Czech Republic, 40 percent of South Korea's shooting opportunities came from Son Heung-min," Lee explained. "Looking at the match data, Son's peak speed was 35 km/h, which ranked fifth among all players participating in this World Cup. The players ranked first through fourth were all in their early 20s, and Son was the only player in his 30s."

He added, "(Son) remains the most threatening player on the national team, both physically and in terms of experience. He could have two or three decisive opportunities against Mexico as well. He is one of the players most likely to score."

Regarding the flow of the game, he predicted that the outcome would be decided in the "second half."

"Both teams will play very cautiously," Lee noted. "It seems unlikely that South Korea will commit too many players to the attack early on, and Mexico will also be wary of leaving space behind their defense by attacking recklessly from the start of the first half."

He continued, "It is highly likely to be a very cautious game throughout the first half. The key will be which team moves with more precision in the second half, when substitutions and tactical changes occur, and which team makes fewer mistakes in defensive organization and individual marking."

Lee also predicted that the absence of Mexico's key center-back Cesar Montes, often called the "Mexican Kim Min-jae," due to a suspension from a red card in the first match, would bring a significant advantage to South Korea.

"Montes is the only outfield player for Mexico over 190 cm tall. Since he is out, South Korea's ability to control aerial balls during set-piece situations could improve," Lee said. "I think we could create effective opportunities during corner kicks and free kicks. We could potentially turn the tables and exploit the difficulties we faced with aerial balls against the Czech Republic."

He identified Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez as the two Mexican attackers who need to be kept in check.

"Quinones has great speed and dribbling ability, and he is dangerous when he cuts inside to the right to shoot. His record of 37 goals in 35 matches in the Saudi league is not just luck, but a testament to his skill," Lee warned.

Regarding the veteran striker Jimenez, he explained, "He is a player who intuitively knows where the opportunities will come. While Quinones plays based on individual ability, Jimenez is the type of player who finishes with the help of those around him."

He emphasized, "If we can control these two players, we can neutralize a significant portion of Mexico's attacking power."

Lee also predicted that the one-sided support from the host nation's fans would not be a decisive variable.

"Mexico will certainly have the home-field advantage," Lee said, "but our players have experienced similar environments many times while playing in Europe, so it will not have a negative impact."

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