[Anchor]

The national football team will play its 'fateful third match' against South Africa tomorrow (June 25). Monterrey, Mexico, where the match will be held, is the 'Promised Land' where the 1983 youth football semi-final myth was born. The national team has pledged to achieve another historic victory.

Lee Jeong-Chan reports from the scene.

[Reporter]

Despite the sweltering heat with a real-feel temperature 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 they are in an advantageous position where a draw would secure second place in the group, head coach Hong Myung-bo has pledged to play for a 'must-win' victory, signaling changes to the starting lineup in two or three positions compared to the previous two matches.

[Hong Myung-bo/Head Coach of the National Football Team: I believe that 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, the venue for the match, is where the 'semi-final myth' was achieved at 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: It would be a great joy if such an opportunity comes our way, and I believe this place will be remembered as a place that holds a great gift for our squad.]

Monterrey is also a city where many Korean companies have recently expanded, making it home to the largest Korean community in Mexico. It is expected that over 2,000 supporters will be there to boost the players' spirits.

The Red Devils began their street cheering campaign a day early, filling the skies of Monterrey with passionate shouts.

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

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

In the 'Promised Land' where Korean football first earned the nickname 'Red Devils,' our players are dreaming of another historic victory.

(Video coverage: Hwang In-seok, Video editing: Oh Young-taek)