Mexico, Hong Myung-bo's opponent, has begun warm-ups in real matches.
Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 on the 23rd (Korea time) at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico.
Brian Gutiérrez opened the scoring in the 2nd minute of the first half, and Guillermo Martínez added a goal in the 9th minute of the second half. The friendly was played with less than three weeks remaining before the World Cup opener.
In this match, Mexico said it checked its player pool against Ghana during the World Cup preparation process. Coach Javier Aguirre experimented with several players ahead of the final roster.
Some Europe-based players were also brought on in the second half. Mexico was some way from a complete squad, but they pressed strongly from the start and took control of the tempo.
From Korea's perspective, this is a result that cannot be taken lightly. Korea meets the Czech Republic, Mexico and South Africa in Group A of the North and Central America World Cup. The Mexico match is the second group-stage game.
The venue is Guadalajara. Korea must endure the atmosphere similar to an away game against the host, the high-altitude conditions and crowd pressure all at once.
Mexico played this friendly in Puebla, which is close to high altitude. Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla is a place where you can experience Mexico's characteristic high-altitude environment.
That ties in with why Korea set up a high-altitude camp around Salt Lake City. Mexico is already finalizing its competitive setup in a familiar environment.
There were also off-field variables. FIFA sanctioned the closure of some sections of the Puebla stadium over discriminatory chants by Mexican fans. The penalty was the result of cumulative misconduct in previous matches.
The Mexican Football Federation ran the "Wave yes, chant no" campaign to emphasize improving spectator culture. It is another challenge the host Mexico must address.
Even so, the stadium atmosphere was hot. Mexico will play the World Cup at home. The Korea match is also likely to be played amid strong support from Mexican fans. The team itself is formidable, but the environment and atmosphere could present an even greater pressure.
Hong Myung-bo's team must find momentum in the first match against the Czech Republic. But the real test could be the Mexico game. Mexico warmed up with the win over Ghana. Korea now needs to show its preparation in performance, not just words.
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