"Beware of Korea," as Lee Dong-gyeong's goal celebration emerges, Mexico goes on high alert... "Son and Lee Kang-in are stars; Korea's free kicks are also threatening"

*This content was translated by AI.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, is on a two-game winning streak in friendly matches, heading toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America. For Mexico, a group-stage rival, this is not welcome news. Concerns have been raised locally over South Korea's upward momentum.

On the 4th (Korea time), the South Korean team secured a 1-0 victory over El Salvador in a friendly match held at South Field of Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. In the 12th minute of the second half, Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD) scored the decisive goal with a sharp left-footed free kick near the penalty box.

With this win, South Korea recorded back-to-back victories in friendly matches, following a 5-0 triumph over Trinidad and Tobago at the same venue on the 31st of last month. This result reversed the slump from two consecutive losses against Ivory Coast and Austria in March and April, while also signaling readiness to adapt to the North American environment where the World Cup will be held.

South Korea has been drawn into Group A for the 2026 North American World Cup, alongside host nation Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa. The group-stage matches against Czechia (first match) and Mexico (second match) will both be played in Guadalajara, Mexico, at an altitude exceeding 1,500 meters. To prepare for this, coach Hong Myung-bo established a training camp in Salt Lake City, USA, at an altitude of around 1,400 meters starting from the 18th of last month, focusing on high-altitude adaptation. With victories in both friendly matches, the team now heads to the World Cup finals with valuable experience.

Mexico, a group-stage opponent, closely followed South Korea's performance and victory news. Today, the Mexican sports specialist outlet Recor reported, "South Korea is burning with ambition for the North American World Cup after defeating El Salvador. They played their final friendly match ahead of the World Cup."

The outlet further stated, "South Korea is meticulously preparing for the North American World Cup and has made it clear that they will be a team Mexico must be cautious of in the group stage. South Korea defeated El Salvador 1-0 in their final preparation match in the United States, concluding this camp with a positive atmosphere and all key players in attendance."

Recor also noted, "South Korea will arrive at the World Cup finals in good form, building on their two consecutive friendly victories. They first secured a decisive win against Trinidad and Tobago, and in this match, despite the need for organization and clinical finishing, they overcame El Salvador." It then warned, "These two strengths could make things difficult for Mexico."

The outlet also provided a detailed analysis of South Korea's performance. Recor explained, "Attacking efforts by Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) stood out, testing the opposing goalkeeper. As the match progressed, South Korea's dominance grew, but the first half ended scoreless due to a lack of finishing. However, South Korea continued to pressure the opponent with crosses and long-range shots, showcasing dynamic attacking options that could be key in the World Cup."

The scene that caught the attention of the Mexican media was Lee Dong-gyeong's free-kick goal. The outlet stated, "In the 57th minute of the second half, Lee Dong-gyeong scored the match's only goal with a precise free kick, confirming he is an important piece in South Korea's tactics."

South Korea's ace Son Heung-min (LAFC) and "Golden Boy" Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) were also mentioned as players to watch. Recor reported, "One of the most important points for South Korea is that all key players have joined the squad. Top star Son Heung-min was introduced in the final stages of the match, and the addition of Lee Kang-in, who recently won the UEFA Champions League, is particularly notable."

South Korea will face Czechia in the first group-stage match on the 12th. They will then play against Mexico on the 19th and South Africa on the 25th. Group A, including host nation Mexico, is considered to have relatively balanced team strengths. The structure allows the group standings to shift significantly depending on match results. This is why Mexico, despite hosting the tournament, remains cautious of South Korea.

Recor also analyzed, "South Korea's growth in strength could pose a significant challenge for Mexico. Their organizational skills, wing speed, and ability to create threatening set-piece situations could make a difference in what appears to be a fiercely competitive Group A."

The outlet further warned, "South Korea arrives at the World Cup prepared, with confidence and in good form. Mexico must prepare thoroughly. The second group-stage match will not be just another game; it could become a true test in the World Cup journey."

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*This content was translated by AI.