Crucial Third Match Today: Aiming for the Round of 32 with Two Group Stage Wins

[Anchor]

Today, June 25, our national football team will face South Africa in a match that will determine our advancement to the Round of 32. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has expressed his firm determination to secure a victory.

Our first report comes from Monterrey, with Lee Jeong-Chan.

[Reporter]

Despite the sweltering heat with a real-feel temperature approaching 40°C (104°F) and a swarm of mosquitoes that forced them to apply repellent, our players completed their final preparations in a cheerful atmosphere.

Although we are in an advantageous position where a draw would be enough to 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 vowed 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 playing for a victory until the very end.]

Monterrey, where the match will be held, is the site where the team achieved the "4-star myth" in the 1983 World Youth Championship. The national team plans 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 our way, we would be very happy. 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 cheering fans are expected to boost the players' morale.

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

[Republic of Korea!]

[Kim Dong-hwi/Red Devils: I hope they show us a game with no regrets here in Monterrey. Republic of Korea! Fighting!]

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

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