'Czech Republic's Key Midfielder' Soucek: "Son Heung-min is a superstar, but we can beat Korea" [Guadalajara Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Tomáš Soucek (West Ham), the key midfielder of the Czech Republic, who will face the South Korean national football team in the first match of the World Cup finals, expressed his anticipation for a reunion with South Korea's ace Son Heung-min (LAFC) one day before the decisive match.

On the afternoon of the 11th (local time), Soucek met with reporters at the Sports Arena in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, and outlined his resolve for the Group Stage's first match to be held tomorrow.

Surrounded by reporters from the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Korea, Soucek said, "The first match of any tournament is the most important," and added, "I know how important the match against South Korea is. I have made all preparations to play tomorrow's game perfectly."

Regarding the South Korean national team, his opponent in the first match, he stated, "Everyone wants to win in such tournaments," and noted, "I am well aware that South Korea is a very strong team. They have many talented players and an excellent team organization."

Nevertheless, Soucek evaluated, "The Czech Republic is also a team with outstanding ability. I am confident that we have sufficient capacity to win this match."

In particular, when asked which South Korean players he specifically watches out for or pays special attention to, Soucek immediately pointed to Son Heung-min. He emphasized, "Of course, Son Heung-min is Korea's star. I faced him several times when he played for Tottenham Hotspur. I have many good memories, so I look forward to meeting him again tomorrow."

Soucek further added, "However, we will not only guard against a single player but will be wary of the entire South Korean team and face them as one unit."

This stage also holds special significance for the Czech Republic and Soucek personally. Soucek shared, "When the Czech Republic last participated in the World Cup, I was only 11 years old. Therefore, this tournament is the best opportunity for me personally to represent my country on the biggest stage. After a long time, I am finally set to play the World Cup's first match tomorrow, and I am truly excited."

Additionally, Soucek said, "Although the match will kick off at 4 a.m. local time in the Czech Republic, I believe the entire country will watch and support us. It is a truly meaningful opportunity for the Czech Republic."

Regarding the notoriously difficult high-altitude climate, he remarked, "I have heard many things about Guadalajara's climate conditions," but added, "However, the Czech Republic has conducted special training to adapt to this and has prepared thoroughly, so I believe we are fully ready. Even if the environment is unfamiliar and challenging, we will run one step further on the field and do our best."

Finally, regarding the North American World Cup, Soucek said, "It seems like it will be a truly wonderful tournament. The tournament starts right from tomorrow, and I believe all football fans around the world are looking forward to this stage. I hope it will be a tournament filled with many moving moments and great goals. In the end, I believe the strongest team will take the championship. The Czech Republic's journey has just begun."

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*This content was translated by AI.