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

*This content was translated by AI.

Tomáš Souček (West Ham), the key midfielder of the Czech Republic, who will face the South Korean national football team in their first World Cup group stage match, expressed 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), Souček met with reporters at the Sports Arena in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, and outlined his resolve for the group stage opener scheduled for tomorrow.

Surrounded by reporters from the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Korea, Souček 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, their first opponent, 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 players with excellent skills and an excellent team organization."

Nevertheless, Souček 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, Souček 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. There are many good memories, so I look forward to meeting him again tomorrow."

Souček further added, "However, we will not only guard against a single specific 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 Souček personally. Souček remarked, "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 will finally play the first World Cup match tomorrow, and I am truly excited."

Additionally, Souček expressed his expectation, "Although the match will be held 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 said, "I have already 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 difficult, we will run one step further on the field and do our best."

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

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*This content was translated by AI.