The secret to Hong Myung-bo's team defeating Czechia lies in 'perfectly ingrained pattern play' that sticks in the brain... with injured players returning soon, the path ahead is smooth. [From Guadalajara]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hong Myung-bo's team has only one thing left to do: grow stronger. Having started the World Cup campaign cheerfully with a thrilling comeback victory against Czechia, the national team aims to secure a win in the second match against host nation Mexico by maximizing tactical precision through image training and customized drills.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, held training at Chivas Verde Valle, the national team's training ground in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, on the morning of the 14th (local time).

After a light recovery session two days prior to catch their breath and a full day of rest, the squad's expressions were filled with energy and confidence. Although training sessions are typically open to the media for only 15 minutes, today's session was unusually extended to 30 minutes for full media access.

The Lee Nal (CEO) team did not conduct tactical drills on the pitch; instead, they thoroughly internalized tactics through audiovisual materials before training. According to a Korea Football Association official, head coach Hong Myung-bo and the coaching staff showed tactical videos to players before they entered the training ground to engrain their movements. Players used individual tablet PCs provided to them, and for those without devices, analysts lent tablets to ensure precise feedback.

Additionally, a national team official stated, "The winning goal by Oh Hyeon-gyu in the Czechia match featured fluid attacking play, and we are building such organic play into our tactics. We are training so that the ball automatically connects to predetermined positions without players needing to constantly look at each other. Parts that were not well-coordinated during previous friendly matches are now fitting together so seamlessly that players move automatically."

Players on the field warmed up with running, followed by coordination drills, and then split into groups to continue rondos and passing games.

Goalkeepers, who usually train separately on the pitch far from the media, drew attention by moving closer to the media area today. Kim Seung-gyu, Cho Hyun-woo, and Song Beom-geun focused on catching and saving drills with light movements. Yoon Ki-wook, who joined training alongside coach Pedro as a training partner, continuously delivered sharp kicks. Cho Hyun-woo energized the training ground atmosphere with loud shouts every time he made a save.

Updates were also provided on the rehabilitation timelines of injured players Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City) and Kim Taehyun (Kashima Antlers). A Korea Football Association official said, "Both players have been struggling with ankle issues, but medical treatment is already fully complete. Currently, they are undergoing high-intensity cycling sessions split between morning and afternoon to maintain muscle condition and breathing for match participation."

The official further added, "Bae Jun-ho has improved to the point where he can now perform straight sprints, but we are approaching his recovery cautiously due to concerns of ankle injury recurrence during sudden direction changes. Kim Taehyun, as Song Jun-seop (Dr.) previously stated, is recovering at a very fast pace. Both players are smoothly progressing through rehabilitation stages with the goal of returning for the second group stage match against Mexico."

Hong Myung-bo's team will hold a fully closed training session on the 16th, two days prior to the match, with no media access. On the day before the game, an official press conference will be held at 3:30 p.m., followed by the final official training session at Chivas Verde Valle starting at 4 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.