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

[Anchor]

Ahead of the second match against Mexico, our national football team has reached its full strength for the first time since the tournament began. Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyeon, who were sidelined due to injuries, have returned to training, allowing all 26 players to participate in a full session.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

[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 his comedic antics.

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

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

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

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

With Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyeon, who had been sidelined by injuries, joining the training session three days before the Mexico match to complete the 26-man squad, 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-hyeon, a left-footed center-back capable of playing both on the flank and in the center, provides the team with more diverse offensive and defensive options.

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

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

Known for a somewhat strict officiating style, averaging five yellow cards per match, referee Tejera will be making his World Cup debut, requiring our players to exercise caution.

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