'I flew 2,200 kilometers to watch the Korea-Czech Republic match' — Why did a Mexican family come? "Because they admire the player..." [World Cup D-Day on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

As the day of the first World Cup match under coach Hong Myung-bo arrived, the World Cup atmosphere finally began to heat up in earnest.

South Korea (ranked 25th) and Czech Republic (ranked 40th) will face off in the first group stage match of Group A at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, at 11 a.m. Korean time on the 12th for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

The press team was allowed entry to the stadium four hours before kickoff. Even before the gates opened, the area around the stadium gradually came alive with fans arriving from all over the world. In addition to the red jerseys of South Korea, the host nation Mexico, even spectators wearing yellow Colombian jerseys were noticeable.

Among them, what immediately caught the press team's attention was a Mexican family dressed in matching South Korea national team jerseys. The Martinez family, including father Eduardo, were all wearing the team's home jerseys and curiously exploring the area around the media gate. They were die-hard fans who had flown approximately 2,200 kilometers from Tijuana, Mexico, to watch this match.

Mauricio (10), the youngest son of the family, said, "I am a huge fan of Son Heung-min. He is a player I truly admire." He added with a smile, "I like both Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) and Son Heung-min, but I especially call Son Heung-min 'Sonaldo (SONALDO)'."

Mauricio, who enjoys playing soccer regularly, said, "Whenever I score a goal in a match, I always do Ronaldo's 'Siu' celebration and Son Heung-min's 'click' celebration." He then shyly demonstrated Son Heung-min's signature celebration in front of the press team.

The eldest daughter, Henna, also displayed a special closeness toward Korea. Henna explained, "I have many Korean friends around me," and added, "Even in my hometown of Tijuana, I am close and friendly with the Korean community."

Mother Veronica smiled and said, "Later, even in a match between Mexico and South Korea, I will wear the Korean jersey." She continued, "I am looking forward to Son Heung-min's great performance in today's match. Coincidentally, today is Mauricio's birthday, so I think this Korea-Czech Republic match will make a wonderful birthday gift for my son."

The area inside and outside the stadium is heating up with the atmosphere of the World Cup's start. Just five days before the match, when it was first visited, the temporary structures were not yet fully completed, creating a somewhat sparse and chaotic atmosphere. However, on the day of the match, the area is now completely filled with official World Cup volunteers and staff from official sponsor booths, making it clear that the official World Cup festival has truly begun.

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*This content was translated by AI.