Soccer commentator Lee Young-pyo sees path for South Korea to beat Czechia at World Cup

Former South Korean football star Lee Young-pyo, now a respected commentator known as 'Octopus Young-pyo' for his sharp analysis, is optimistic about the national team's chances in the 2026 World Cup. He predicts a strong performance, with South Korea likely to secure second place in Group A, behind host nation Mexico.

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Winning the first game and getting three points will determine 80-90% of the team's performance. If the players perform to their potential, victory is possible.

Lee emphasized the critical importance of a victory in the opening match against Czechia on June 12. "Winning the first game and getting three points will determine 80-90% of the team's performance," he stated, adding that "if the players perform to their potential, victory is possible."

He pointed to South Korea's significant edge in World Cup experience, noting that most Czech players are making their tournament debut after a 20-year absence. "We have much more experience. We will have a psychological advantage in that regard," Lee explained. South Korea also has a distinct advantage in adapting to the high altitude of Guadalajara, having completed a pre-tournament training camp in Salt Lake City, USA, which has similar environmental conditions. In contrast, the Czech team trained in Texas and will only arrive in Mexico the day before the match.

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We have much more experience. We will have a psychological advantage in that regard.

While confident, Lee also identified Czechia's set-piece and aerial prowess as areas of concern. "Czechia has threatening aerial ability during corner kicks and free kicks. We must concede as few set pieces as possible," he advised, stressing the importance of how central defenders Kim Min-jae and Lee Han-beom handle crosses.

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Czechia has threatening aerial ability during corner kicks and free kicks. We must concede as few set pieces as possible.

Lee expressed some concern about the team's starting lineup not being firmly established before the crucial first match. He noted that unlike typical pre-World Cup preparations where the best XI is solidified, South Korea experimented with various combinations in their final warm-up games. "I am concerned about whether our coordination will be perfect in the most important first match," he said, though he ultimately trusts the coaching staff's confidence in the team's adaptability.

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I am concerned about whether our coordination will be perfect in the most important first match.