'Hong Myung-bo's World Cup first opponent' is by no means easy, UK's leading newspaper says "Czech Republic is truly strong... expects good results"

*This content was translated by AI.

The outline of the opponent for the first group stage match of the South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, in the World Cup has emerged. Armed with a robust style of football emphasizing physicality and fighting spirit, the Czech Republic is the first hurdle that must be overcome on the road to the Round of 16 for South Korea.

On the 29th (Korea time), the British media outlet 'The Guardian' focused intensively on the Czech Republic national team's squad and group stage variables for the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup.

The Czech Republic, which is in Group A of the World Cup finals alongside South Korea in this tournament, secured a spot in the finals for the first time in 20 years since the 2006 Germany World Cup. The process was dramatic. During the European qualifiers, the team suffered a historic humiliation by losing to the Faroe Islands, leading to the dismissal of coach Ivan Hašek. However, after Miroslav Koubek took charge, the team quickly found stability. Subsequently, in the play-offs against difficult opponents Ireland and Denmark, the Czech Republic secured a dramatic ticket to the finals by winning both matches in consecutive penalty shootouts.

The media stated, "The Czech Republic has historically shown a strong face from the position of an underdog," and "The Czech Republic, stepping onto the World Cup finals for the first time in 20 years, will achieve good results in this tournament based on its excellent squad. It is a strong team with many veterans." In fact, while the Czech Republic lacks technical finesse, it employs a style that intimidates opponents by leveraging strong physical conditions, high work rate, aggressive pressing, and set pieces.

However, on this finals stage, environmental variables are expected to be a major test. Although the Czech Republic established its base camp in Dallas, Texas, two of its group stage matches must be played in Mexico, a high-altitude region reaching 2,000 meters above sea level. Long-distance travel, jet lag, and high-altitude adaptation will be the key to determining the Czech Republic's fate.

The first group stage match against Hong Myung-bo's team will take place at Estadio Guadalajara at 11 a.m. on the 12th. Both South Korea and the Czech Republic must fight for their lives to advance to the tournament. Following that, the Czech Republic will play its second match against South Africa at Atlanta Stadium at 1 a.m. on the 19th, and will face host nation Mexico in the final group stage match at Mexico City Stadium at 10 a.m. on the 26th.

Czech Republic's coach Koubek, at 74 years old, is considered one of the oldest coaches in this tournament. He has a unique career path, having worked as an insurance broker until his 50s while moving through lower leagues, but he is highly regarded for his ability to utilize data and extract maximum efficiency from limited resources. After Tomáš Souček (West Ham) was stripped of the captaincy for failing to thank fans following a victory against Gibraltar during the qualifiers, Radim Krejčí (Wolverhampton) has taken over as the new captain, anchoring the team.

The number one player to watch is undoubtedly striker Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen). Schick, who stunned the world by scoring five goals during Euro 2020, has also netted 16 goals in the Bundesliga this season, overcoming injury absences and regaining perfect form. The media evaluated, "Schick is a player who combines elegant movement with excellent finishing ability and can decide a match on his own."

In midfield, Pavel Šulc (Lyon), who joined Lyon in Ligue 1 last season and performed brilliantly, is active as the next-generation ace, while Tomáš Holeš (Slavia Prague) has established himself as a hardworking player who handles the unglamorous tasks behind the scenes. In goal, Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven) is highly likely to wear the starting goalkeeper's gloves.

GK: Lukáš Horníček (Braga), Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven), Ondřej Štancík (Slavia Prague)

DF: Vladimír Coufal (Hoffenheim), Robin Hranáč (Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomáš Holeš (Slavia Prague), Štěpán Halíř (Slavia Prague), David Jurásek (Slavia Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague), Radim Krejčí (Wolverhampton), Jaroslav Zelený (Sparta Prague)

MF: Pavel Bucha (Cincinnati), Lukáš Červ (Viktoria Plzeň), Tomáš Radla (Viktoria Plzeň), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzeň), Denis Vysinský (Viktoria Plzeň), Vladimír Darida (Hranice Královo), Lukáš Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadílek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sojka (Sparta Prague), Tomáš Souček (West Ham), Pavel Šulc (Lyon)

FW: Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim), Tomáš Horák (Slavia Prague), Mojmír Chytil (Slavia Prague), Christoph Kabongo (Mladá Boleslav), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)

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*This content was translated by AI.