'Why now' on the eve of the World Cup, Hong Myung-bo's team faces a massive setback... Key center-back goes down. "Possible to miss all three group stage matches" [Report from Guadalajara]

*This content was translated by AI.

A massive setback struck just before the World Cup's opening match. With the long-awaited Group Stage opener against Czech Republic approaching, the South Korean national football team found itself in an emergency situation due to the sudden injury of starting center-back Kim Tae-hyun (Kashiwa Reysol) at the decisive venue.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo's Lee Kkeu-neun (CEO) team conducted final training for the match against Czech Republic on the afternoon of the 10th (local time) at the Chivas Verde Valle training ground near Guadalajara, Mexico.

The national team had initially been maintaining a smooth training flow, but an unexpected crisis arose upon news of an injury sustained during tactical training the previous day.

According to a Korea Football Association official, Kim Tae-hyun injured his left ankle while participating in a so-called passing game round during training on the 9th. As a result, Kim Tae-hyun, along with Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), who injured his ankle during the Trinidad and Tobago match, faces difficulty in playing in tomorrow's game.

Even more critically, the severity of Kim Tae-hyun's injury is serious. Kim Tae-hyun may miss all three Group Stage matches, including the opening game against Czech Republic, as well as matches against Mexico and South Africa.

Kim Tae-hyun's absence is a fatal blow to Lee Tal-eun (CEO)'s team. The opening opponent, Czech Republic, has an average height of 187cm and relies heavily on aerial play. In response, Kim Tae-hyun, who possesses a solid 187cm physique, was expected to provide crucial aerial support for the defense.

With Kim Tae-hyun out of the lineup, it is highly likely that Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC), who was a surprise selection as the left-footed center-back in Hong Myung-bo's three-man defense, will take his place. Lee Ki-hyuk, who emerged as a Cinderella story after his first selection under Hong Myung-bo, has recently showcased sharp passing in the final friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador.

Hong Myung-bo's team had already lost Jo Yu-min (Sharjah) to injury, who was included in the final roster during the friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago. Among the team's professional center-backs are Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom, and Jo Wi-je (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), who accompanied the training partners and became a regular member in place of Jo Yu-min. Park Jin-seop (Zhejiang FC), who can play as both a defensive midfielder and a center-back, is classified as a defender.

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*This content was translated by AI.