Mexico national team head coach Javier Aguirre heaped praise on Korea Republic midfielder Hwang In-beom ahead of the FIFA World Cup clash between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Aguirre singled out Hwang In-beom alongside his former player Lee Kang-in. He highlighted Hwang In-beom’s performance against Czechia, saying the midfielder has ‘surprised’ him the most.
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“I truly love [Lee] Kang-in, like a son. I love him very much. I had him for two and a half years [at Mallorca] and watched him grow up, of course. And the one I liked the most, whom I didn’t know was number six, whose name I don’t know, the one who scored, [Hwang] In-Beom. Well, number 6. He scored a fantastic goal and provided a great assist, and he was the one who surprised us the most, the number six,” Aguirre said.
Hwang In-beom, who made his fifth World Cup appearance for Korea Republic on June 11 at the Guadalajara Stadium, was his side’s hero in their tournament opener. He marked his appearance with a goal and assist as the Taegeuk Warriors came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1. Following his standout display, he was subsequently named the Michelob ULTRA Superior Player of the Match.
Ahead of tonight’s clash, Mexico and South Korea sit first and second, respectively, in the group. Both teams are on the same points, but co-hosts Mexico lead the group table due to having a superior goal difference.
“Korea is a strong team” – Aguirre sends warning to his players ahead of World Cup clash
Aguirre noted that he is looking for a more confident performance in his team’s second match after showing signs of nervousness during their opening game against South Africa. Despite playing at home, the manager warned that his team must not ‘forget’ that Hong Myung-bo’s men are a strong side.
“You have to walk your talk,” Aguirre said. “Experience says that nothing is written in the World Cup. If you are the favorite team, it doesn’t matter. I mean, the weather is the weather, it could rain, or you could have a penalty, or you can have an injury-and that happens in the World Cup. I am very confident, and I’m trying to convey that confidence to them, but we must not forget that Korea is a strong team.”
Mexico will be without key defender Cesar Montes due to a suspension after the centre-back was shown a red card against South Africa.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide