The initial squad selected by the South Korean national team for their much-anticipated opening game against the Czech Republic in the North Central American World Cup has been announced. South Korea will take on the Czech Republic in the inaugural match of Group A during the World Cup group phase at Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the 12th (in Korean time), beginning at 11 a.m.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo, as anticipated, implemented a back-three formation. Son Heung-min of LAFC, competing in his fourth FIFA World Cup, has been named as the striker. Lee Jae-sung from Mainz and Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain will feature on the flanks.
Hwang In-beom of Feyenoord and Paik Seung-ho from Birmingham were selected as central midfield players. During the two trial games played in the U.S., Coach Hong tried pairing Lee Jae-sung with Hwang In-beom in the middle of the field, but eventually decided to place Lee Jae-sung on the flank and Paik Seung-ho in the center.
The three-defender setup will include Kim Min-jae from Munich as the central defender, with Lee Gi-hyuk of Gangwon and Lee Han-beom of Midtjylland positioned on either side. The fullbacks will consist of Lee Tae-seok from Vienna and Seol Young-woo of Zvezda. Choosing to field Lee Tae-seok rather than Jens Castrop from Mönchengladbach, known for his attacking prowess, seems aimed at ensuring greater defensive solidity.
Kim Seung-gyu, of FC Tokyo, will be the goalkeeper.