Fateful Third Match Today: Aiming for the Round of 32 in the 'Land of Promise'

[Anchor]

The South Korean national football team, currently competing in the North and Central American World Cup, faces South Africa today (June 25) in a "fateful third match." Monterrey, the host city, is known as a "land of promise" where the historic 1983 youth football semifinal run took place. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has vowed to achieve another historic victory.

Lee Jeong-Chan reports.

[Reporter]

Despite the sweltering heat with a heat index nearing 40°C (104°F) and a swarm of mosquitoes that forced players to apply repellent, the team completed their final preparations in a cheerful atmosphere.

Although Korea is in a favorable position where a draw would secure second place in the group, head coach Hong Myung-bo has signaled changes to the starting lineup in two or three positions, unlike the previous two matches, and has pledged to play for a win.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: If we start thinking that a draw is enough, we could find ourselves in trouble. We will prepare for the match with the mindset of winning until the very end.]

Monterrey, the site of the match, is where the "semifinal myth" was created during the 1983 World Youth Championship. The national team aims to set another milestone by achieving two wins in the group stage for the first time in an away World Cup.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: If such an opportunity comes to us, it would be very joyful. I believe this place will be remembered as a place that holds a great gift for our squad.]

Monterrey is also the city with the largest number of Korean residents in Mexico due to the recent influx of Korean companies, and more than 2,000 supporters are expected to cheer on the players.

The Red Devils began their street cheering campaign a day earlier, filling the Monterrey sky with passionate chants.

[Dae-han-min-guk! (Republic of Korea!)]

[Kim Dong-hwi/Red Devils: I hope they show us a game with no regrets here in Monterrey. Dae-han-min-guk! Fighting!]

In this "land of promise," where Korean football first earned the nickname "Red Devils," our players are dreaming of another historic victory.

(Reported by Hwang In-seok | Video edited by Oh Young-taek)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.