(World Cup) S. Korea coach believes altitude training paid off in win over Czechia - Yonhap News Agency
ZAPOPAN, Mexico, June 11 (Yonhap) -- To prepare for two World Cup group stage matches in the high altitude of Mexico, South Korea trained for about three weeks in the U.S. state of Utah, with a couple of tuneup matches thrown in as well.
And after South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 on Thursday to begin Group A play near Guadalajara, about 1,500 meters above sea level, head coach Hong Myung-bo said his team's altitude training paid dividends.
"We had clear plans for all the possible scenarios of this match, and ultimately, I think the altitude here had a major influence on the match," Hong said at this postmatch press conference at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan. "I could clearly see that Czechia players were slowing down in the second half, and on the other hand, our players kept pushing and pushing and stayed aggressive in the late minutes."
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo gives instructions to his players during their Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 11, 2026. (Yonhap)
In addition to training in Utah, South Korea also set up their World Cup base camp in Guadalajara. Czechia, however, have their base camp in Texas and only traveled to Mexico just before the match.
South Korea conceded the first goal in the 59th minute but equalized eight minutes later before Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the eventual winner in the 80th minute.
"Even when we were down 1-0, the players fulfilled their roles really well until the end," Hong said. "Since this was our first match of the tournament, I figured some of the players would be a little nervous. But I asked them to never give up until the final whistle and to play as one. They were successful on both accounts."
This was Hong's first World Cup victory as head coach. He was also at the helm at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, but South Korea had a draw and two losses to take a quick exit from the group stage, a result that led to Hong's dismissal.
The former defender captained South Korea to the unlikely semifinal berth in 2002, with South Korea co-hosting the event with Japan, and finally tasted his first bit of success as the bench boss.
But he gave credit where it's due -- to his players.
"Personally, I am really happy with this victory, but this was all created by our players with their hard work and dedication," Hong said. "I can't say enough about how well they played today."
Oh subbed in for captain Son Heung-min, who tied Hong and two other former players for the most World Cup appearances by a South Korean with four. Son missed a couple of scoring chances late in the first half and was taken out in the 69th minute with the match still tied, a situation when he normally would have been asked to play the entire match.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo (C) celebrates with his staff and players after their 2-1 win over Czechia in the teams' Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 11, 2026. (Yonhap)
Hong didn't make much of those misses by Son, saying he still had faith in the veteran.
"For such an important match, we needed our captain to be the stabilizing force for the rest of the team," Hong said. "I think he played his role really well. Although he missed some opportunities, I am not that worried right now. He is still in good form."
Next up for South Korea will be the home team Mexico, back at Estadio Guadalajara at 7 p.m. next Thursday (local time) or 10 a.m. next Friday (South Korean time).
Mexico blanked South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener earlier Thursday, and Hong said he was impressed with the level of partisan support El Tri enjoyed.
"They had massive support behind them, and I think it will put a lot of pressure on us as well," Hong said. "Playing the home team is never easy. But I think it's a positive that we have already played at this stadium and won."
