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), a victory for our national football team against Mexico today would secure a spot in the Round of 32 as the top team in the group, 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 chapter in history.

We start with our first report from Guadalajara, 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 match against the Czech Republic, sounded particularly energetic.

[It's mine~]

Head coach Hong Myung-bo stated that all preparations are complete, expressing his wish for his players to surpass the fourth-place finish—the best result for an Asian nation—which he helped achieve as captain of the 2002 national team.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: We reached the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, and I hope our players will surpass that record. My plan for the starting 11 is set.]

Regarding the appearance of an "illegal drone" that was not authorized by FIFA during a closed-door tactical training session two days ago, he expressed strong regret.

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

Since a win against Mexico could secure an early advancement to the Round of 32 with two consecutive group stage victories for the first time in history, the team switched to closed training to refine their attacking tactics against Mexico's solid organization, using dummy defenders.

The cheering battle outside the stadium is already heating up.

Amidst the expected passionate and one-sided support from Mexican home fans, about 100 of our "Red Devils" gathered in a plaza 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, a 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.