'First time entering Mexico' a boost for Hong Myung-bo's squad: Two injured players return → Full team operational... 'Intense' starting lineup competition officially kicks off [World Cup on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Having secured a crucial comeback victory against Czechia to open their World Cup campaign, Hong Myung-bo's squad has finally assembled a complete team without any injured players. The South Korean national team now turns its attention to hunting down host nation Mexico.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, conducted training for approximately one hour and 30 minutes on the morning of the 15th (local time) at the Chivas Verde Valle training ground in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico. After recovering with rehabilitation training and a sweet break following their victory against Czechia on the 12th, the squad took to the pitch with noticeably lighter movements.

The most significant gain from today's training was undoubtedly the return of injured players. Park Jun-ho (Stoke City), who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury and focused on individual rehabilitation, and central defender Kim Tae-hyun (Kashima Antlers) have finally rejoined team training. The team conducted its first complete training session with all 28 members, including two new training partners, gathered together since arriving in Guadalajara on the 6th.

Park Jun-ho suffered an ankle injury during a friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago at the pre-camp in Salt Lake City, USA, last month, after a rough tackle from an opponent. Kim Tae-hyun twisted his ankle during training just before the Czechia match, leaving him with regrets. Fortunately, both players have quickly recovered their physical condition under the meticulous management of the medical team.

A Korea Football Association official stated, "Kim Tae-hyun's recovery speed is so fast that we can even expect him to be ready for the upcoming second match against Mexico," and added, "Park Jun-ho faces a risk of re-injury when changing direction, so we must be somewhat cautious, but he is raising his condition with the goal of playing, as he is now able to participate in team training normally."

With the addition of these two players, Hong Myung-bo's tactical options have become significantly richer. The official noted, "We now have clear options on the left flank. With Park Jun-ho's return, we can strengthen our attack, and the defense now boasts three left-footed central defenders: Lee Ki-hyuk (Wonju), Jo Wi-je (Jeonbuk), and Kim Tae-hyun." In particular, Kim Tae-hyun is expected to be a major asset, as he has the memory of playing the full 90 minutes against Mexico in a friendly match last September, which helped build his immunity.

With the return of injured players, Hong Myung-bo's squad has gained further momentum in its performance surge. The addition of two key rotation resources for both offense and defense is expected to intensify the competition for starting positions.

Today's training session was open to the media for only the first 15 minutes. The national team, led by captain Son Heung-min (LAFC), warmed up with coordination drills such as running and zigzag sprints, then completed the initial session with a round and a mini-game. After the media withdrew, the team set up a screen and transitioned to a full-scale closed tactical training session, reviewing customized attacking and defensive set pieces designed to dismantle Mexico.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo appears to have begun the process of implementing customized tactics starting from this day, three days before the match. Fortunately, the local weather has cleared up, providing optimal conditions for training. However, with rain forecast for the night of the match day, the team is also keeping the possibility of playing in wet conditions in mind.

As the match against Mexico on the 19th, which will effectively decide the group leader, approaches, the clock for Hong Myung-bo's squad is ticking rapidly.

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*This content was translated by AI.