Ready for Czech Republic Clash: "Preparation is Perfect, We Hope to Bloom"

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The South Korean national football team faces the Czech Republic tomorrow (June 12) in their opening match of the North and Central America World Cup group stage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo and captain Son Heung-min have declared that preparations are complete and are determined to secure a victory in the first match.

Reporter Ha Sung-ryong has the story.

[Reporter]

Instead of inspecting the grass at the match venue, Guadalajara Stadium, the national team held their final training session at their base camp, which features the same type of turf as the stadium.

The Taegeuk Warriors engaged in their final tactical training in a lively atmosphere without any signs of tension. Head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed confidence, stating that he has already finalized his starting 11.

[Hong Myung-bo / Head Coach of the National Football Team: I believe our team has been diligent in preparing for this tournament. I hope the time we have spent together will translate into a good result in tomorrow's match.]

Son Heung-min, who experienced tears in Brazil and Russia and the joy of reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar, is dreaming of his best moment yet in his fourth World Cup.

[Son Heung-min / Captain of the National Football Team: I still think of the World Cup as a dream stage. Since the players have prepared with such passion, I want to tell them that I hope all that preparation will finally bloom.]

The team is determined to pour everything into the match and secure a win against the Czech Republic, a side packed with players over 190cm tall and featuring veterans from major leagues like Patrik Schick and Martin Schulz.

[Son Heung-min / Captain of the National Football Team: Because they have many players who compete in top leagues, I believe we must perform at more than 100% of our capacity to win.]

The Czech Republic, making their first World Cup appearance in 20 years, arrived in Guadalajara just one day before the match, meaning they will play without acclimatizing to the high altitude. The Czech head coach identified Son Heung-min as the primary threat.

[Miroslav Koubek / Head Coach of the Czech National Team: I am well aware that Son Heung-min is a massive star in world football and a legend for South Korea. However, I believe our players will be able to defend well against Korea's excellent attackers.]

Ahead of the match between South Korea and the Czech Republic, the global football festival will kick off with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, who are in the same group.

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