Even after missing chances against Czechia, "Son Heung-min is the most dangerous"... Mexico names the player to watch, also flagging 'Lee, Oh, Hwang'

*This content was translated by AI.

A local Mexican outlet has rated the South Korean national football team highly. It emphasized that they must be wary of "Captain" Son Heung-min (LAFC), along with Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas), and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord).

Mexico's ESPN Deportes on the 16th (Korea time) stated, "South Korea is a very dangerous team with world-class stars." It added, "With both South Korea and Mexico securing three points after the first match, this game will be a crucial showdown to claim top spot in Group A," analyzing South Korea's strength and key players.

South Korea and Mexico will face each other in the second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the 19th at Estadio Akron, located near Zapopan, close to Guadalajara, Mexico.

In the earlier first match, both teams recorded victories. Under coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1. Host nation Mexico also won its opening match against South Africa 2-0. The gap in strength is not significant either. In the FIFA rankings, Mexico is 14th and South Korea is 25th.

The outlet noted, "South Korea may have left a good impression on Mexican fans, but it will face difficulties as the away team in this match," while also introducing the team as "very threatening and possessing famous players."

Among them, ESPN Deportes identified Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyeon-gyu, and Hwang In-beom of South Korea as players to be cautious about.

Regarding Son Heung-min, it said, "He is a star of the U.S. professional club LAFC, the center of South Korea's attack, and the benchmark for the entire team." It added, "Son Heung-min serves as South Korea's starting striker and possesses excellent technique and speed."

However, Son Heung-min left a regretful impression in the earlier match against Czechia with no goals. He attempted six shots, including three decisive chances, but failed to open the opponent's goal.

Nevertheless, the outlet still rated Son Heung-min as the most dangerous player. ESPN Deportes pointed out, "Son Heung-min was surprisingly not sharp in the first group stage match. He missed three clear scoring opportunities in front of the Czech goal. He even showed signs of psychological burden, as he expressed regret on the field."

It continued, "Nevertheless, players of Son Heung-min's caliber cannot be excluded. As South Korea's captain, Son Heung-min will be the most dangerous player and will face intense marking from Mexico's center-backs."

Regarding Lee Kang-in, it was rated as "a resource capable of creating major threats." The outlet explained, "South Korea fielded five midfielders in the match against Czechia, and Lee Kang-in was deployed as a left winger. However, he continuously moved across the flanks."

It further stated, "Lee Kang-in is very fast. Having played for PSG, a European champion team, he has grown further in terms of technique and tactics. He is also showing good chemistry with his South Korean national team teammates."

Oh Hyeon-gyu's name was also included. The outlet introduced Oh Hyeon-gyu as "the player who scored South Korea's second goal in the match against Czechia."

ESPN Deportes praised him, saying, "While everyone accelerates, Oh Hyeon-gyu slows down by one tempo to find better options. He is a player who creates the rhythm needed for the game, and such play also affects the opposing defense. Just as we saw in the first World Cup match."

It further added, "Oh Hyeon-gyu is a substitute for Son Heung-min, but if needed, both can play together. His greatest advantage is his ability to play well as a winger, a lone striker, or as one of the two strikers in a sacrificial formation."

Regarding Hwang In-beom, it said, "He scored South Korea's first goal in the match against Czechia and is an important midfielder for the team." It added, "He is active at Feyenoord in the Netherlands and is accustomed to the fast tempo of the Eredivisie. He is a player trained at a high level."

It also explained, "Hwang In-beom is one of the veterans of the South Korean national team. He makes good-timed penetrations from the second line at unexpected moments to assist strikers and wingers. Therefore, he is also a selection to be cautious about in the midfield line."

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*This content was translated by AI.