Finally a 'Full Squad of 26'... Aiming for First-Ever Consecutive Group Stage Wins

[Anchor]

Welcome news has reached our national team three days ahead of the second match against Mexico. Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyun, who had been sidelined due to injuries, have returned to training, marking the first time since the tournament began that all 26 players have participated in full training. With a "full-strength squad" now available, the Hong Myung-bo squad is aiming for its first-ever consecutive wins in the group stage.

Reported by Yu Byeongmin.

[Reporter]

The national team was full of energy ahead of the match against Mexico.

Kim Min-jae, the anchor of the defense, drew laughter from his teammates with a comedic performance.

[Kim Min-jae: I'm actually a golfer~ I'm actually a billiards player~]

Oh Hyeon-gyu even took off his shirt to reenact his comeback goal against the Czech Republic, filling the air with laughter.

[Yang Hyun-jun: (He said) it was easier receiving a cross from In-beom than from me.]

[Oh Hyeon-gyu: Hyun-jun, don't you know what I want?]

With Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyun, who had been sidelined by injuries, joining the training three days before the Mexico match to complete the 26-man roster, the team's confidence has soared even higher.

The addition of Bae Jun-ho, a "super joker" in the attack known for his dribbling and ball-keeping skills, and Kim Tae-hyun, a left-footed center-back capable of playing both on the flank and in the center, provides more diverse offensive and defensive options.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo now faces a "happy dilemma" regarding the left side of his three-back formation, choosing between Lee Ki-hyuk, who performed brilliantly against the Czech Republic, and Kim Tae-hyun.

Uruguayan referee Tejera has been assigned as the head referee for the match against Mexico.

Tejera, who will be making his World Cup debut, is known for a somewhat strict officiating style, averaging five yellow cards per match, so our players will need to exercise caution.

(Video by Hwang In-seok | Video Editing by Ha Seong-won)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.