'As tall as 198·191cm' — Can they overcome such legendary physical attributes? Coach Hong Myung-bo on "How to overcome the height disadvantage..." [Report from Guadalajara]

*This content was translated by AI.

There is no opponent in the World Cup that can be taken lightly. Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed strong caution regarding the physicality and aerial play of Czechia, their first opponent, and announced thorough preparations.

On the afternoon of the 6th (local time), Coach Hong Myung-bo met with reporters at the FIFA-organized community training session held at Chivas Valle Verde, the base camp training ground in Guadalajara, Mexico, and stated, "Czechia is a team with clear characteristics. Their physical strength is so formidable that it will not be easy to deal with them."

How the first button is fastened could completely determine the fate of the South Korean national team. The Czechia national team, which stands as the first hurdle on the path to the historic first-ever quarterfinals in an away match at the North American World Cup, is by no means an easy opponent.

Having watched Czechia's recent final friendly match, Coach Hong Myung-bo emphasized, "After seeing their lineup against Guatemala, I realized that South Korea must prepare thoroughly. We will pay close attention to their aerial play and crosses that utilize their tall players, and we will definitely overcome the disadvantage arising from the height difference through tactics."

Czechia ranks 41st in the FIFA rankings, 16 places below South Korea (25th), and sits third in Group A of the group stage, but their recent momentum and strength exceed what the ranking suggests. In particular, after replacing Miroslav Koubek as head coach, they drew 2-2 in consecutive matches against difficult opponents Ireland and Denmark in the European World Cup qualifiers, and then secured their spot in the tournament proper after a tense penalty shootout, demonstrating terrifying concentration. Notably, three of the four goals scored at the time came from precise set-piece situations, making their dead-ball threat powerful.

Especially, their most threatening weapon is their overwhelming physical condition. The average height of the Czechia national team reaches a staggering 187cm. In recent friendly matches against Guatemala, Czechia employed robust football that continuously targeted the inside of the penalty box by utilizing crosses from both flanks.

The weight of the strikers positioned at the front line is also significant. Patrick Schick (Bayer Leverkusen), the starting striker who scored 16 goals in 28 matches in the German Bundesliga this season, stands at 191cm, while substitute Tomas Horak (Slavia Prague), who boasts a height of 198cm and exploded for 17 goals in 24 league matches this season, represents a terrifying firepower. Regardless of who plays, our defense will inevitably feel immense pressure in aerial duels.

In addition, the sharp footwork of flank players aiming at the heads of these aerial bombers is also a matter of concern. Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim), who recorded eight assists in the Bundesliga this season and boasts the best delivery crosses, is responsible for the right flank, while David Jurasek (Slavia Prague) is positioned on the left, constantly delivering crosses from both sides.

Not only that, but the scoring power of the midfielders who will provide support from the second line is also fierce. Pavel Schick (Olympique Lyonnais), who scored 11 goals in the French Ligue 1 this season, and Lucas Prochazka (Slavia Prague), who has shown all-around activity with 7 goals and 10 assists, are also backing them up.

It remains to be seen whether the Ma Chin (CEO) team, with its tactical understanding, can find a clear solution to neutralize Czechia's aerial play through three days of intensive training. South Korea will clash with Czechia in the fateful Group A first match on June 12 at 11 a.m. (Korean time) at Estadio Guadalajara.

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*This content was translated by AI.