"It was really tough." Mexican coach expresses concern over Hong Myung-bo's team: "Lucky to avoid defeat" [World Cup on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Javier Aguirre, head coach of the Mexican national team, was not entirely satisfied with the match against South Korea. Instead, he expressed his determination to continue thorough analysis and improvements in preparation for the Round of 32.

On the 19th at 10 a.m. (Korea time), Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. With two consecutive victories in this tournament, Mexico has already secured first place in the group and a spot in the Round of 32, regardless of the outcome of the final match.

In a post-match press conference, Coach Aguirre stated, "It is always difficult to be 100% satisfied with the result," adding, "It was fortunate that the team did not collapse despite not maintaining possession of the ball for an extended period."

Coach Aguirre further remarked, "In the past, Mexico has sometimes collapsed due to its own inability to overcome anxiety. However, against South Korea, we showed much more patience and endured tenaciously. Tactically, South Korea made things very difficult for us."

With today's victory, Mexico secured two consecutive scoreless wins. Coach Aguirre commented, "We learned from our mistakes and maintained our defense. Remembering the two goals we conceded against South Korea (a 2-2 draw in a friendly match last September), we aimed to approach the game with patience. South Korea struggled to find space as we tenaciously held our ground even without possession of the ball."

Mexico thoroughly capitalized on its opportunities against Hong Myung-bo. Having secured a spot in the Round of 32 as group winners for the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup (when Mexico recorded two wins and one draw), Coach Aguirre responded calmly, "It has never been an easy or smooth path. Securing first place in the group is now in the past. What matters is the final result."

Having secured first place in the group, Coach Aguirre's focus has already shifted to the next stage. He noted, "Today's defense was stable, but there was a slight lack of boldness in passing during the process of advancing with possession. There is a tendency to lose possession too easily immediately after regaining the ball."

Finally, regarding the final group stage opponent, Czech Republic, he said, "Czech Republic has excellent aerial ability and is a team that demands tremendous physical exertion. It will not be an easy match." He added, "Now it is time for the scouting staff to work hard. Since there are still many areas for improvement, we will prepare thoroughly over the remaining three days."

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*This content was translated by AI.