"Czech Match Best 11 Confirmed" Coach Hong Myung-bo Announces Directly "I Was Worried Until Morning..." [World Cup D-1 On-site Q&A]

*This content was translated by AI.

Coach Hong Myung-bo of the South Korean national football team, aiming for redemption in his second World Cup, issued a confident declaration one day before the opening match of the tournament.

Coach Hong Myung-bo's Lee Kkeu-neun (CEO) team will face Czech Republic in the first match of the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup Group A at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on the morning of the 12th (Korean time).

At the official press conference held at the decisive venue, Estadio Akron, at 2:30 p.m. local time on the 11th, one day before the Czech match, Coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "The World Cup begins tomorrow. It is the dream stage for football players," and added, "We have prepared for the tournament without any negligence. We will strive to ensure that the dedicated and hardworking efforts shown by the players and the time we spent together will be reflected in tomorrow's match."

Following this, Coach Hong Myung-bo explained, "The players' condition is good. Preparation is complete as of today. We will spend the remaining day well to achieve a good result."

This CONCACAF stage also holds special significance for Coach Hong Myung-bo personally. He experienced the painful failure of being eliminated in the group stage during the 2014 Brazil World Cup when he first took charge, and this tournament offers him an opportunity to prove his capabilities as a head coach on the World Cup stage for the first time in 12 years. The upcoming match against Czech Republic is expected to serve as a test of Coach Hong Myung-bo's redemption.

Coach Hong Myung-bo, who boosted team morale to its peak with scoreless victories in friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago (5-0 win) and El Salvador (1-0 win) ahead of the tournament, focused on completing high-altitude acclimatization and a customized build-up strategy under strict tactical security.

-If there is a message you want to convey to the players beyond tactics at tomorrow morning's meeting.

"We have already had many conversations with the players and conveyed many messages. There is no important matter that requires us to convey a special message to the players again today or tomorrow. We may be able to make a judgment by observing the players' appearance and expressions after they wake up tomorrow morning and speak briefly, but for now, all messages have already been conveyed. The players understand this sufficiently."

-This is your first match as a head coach in your second World Cup.

"It is my second World Cup participation. I feel very honored. Although we failed in the 2014 tournament, we have prepared well for this World Cup based on the many experiences accumulated over the years. The result is unpredictable. However, we have created an atmosphere where the players can go onto the field and play with excitement, fun, and energy. That is very important to me and is a positive aspect for the team."

-What are your thoughts on the group stage opponent Mexico? (Mexican reporter)

"Mexico is a football powerhouse. Since they are the home team in this tournament, I believe they have an advantage greater than what Korea experienced in 2002. The match against Mexico is the second group stage game, but first, we will pour everything into tomorrow's match against Czech Republic. After that, we will prepare for the Mexico match. It is our role to create results that cannot be predicted. Personally, I hope to advance through the qualifiers from a high position."

-Have you finalized the starting lineup?

"I was worried about the best 11 from yesterday afternoon until this morning. I finished making the decision before lunch, and the best 11 has been fully determined."

-The high-altitude training conducted over three weeks is now bearing fruit. Are you satisfied with the current physical condition of the players?

"Since arriving in the United States, I have been continuously checking the players' condition. Initially, there were difficulties due to differences in each player's physical characteristics, creating gaps. However, it is now almost in perfect condition. Of course, we do not know what results will come out in the match, but the players will be able to approach the game with a sense of relief and confidence that they have adapted to the high altitude. In that regard, both the data and the players' condition are satisfactory."

-There are various external evaluations inside and outside the team. What is the importance of the opening match of the tournament?

"I do not know much about external evaluations. The most important thing is how much effort the players can put into this important match, and internally, I am viewing it positively. Tomorrow is the first match, and the World Cup will officially begin. It seems like the first time we are playing on the opening day, so much attention from around the world will be focused on us. I hope the players can approach the game more comfortably. I cannot reveal our strategic plans at this venue, but we will approach the game as we have prepared."

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*This content was translated by AI.