South Korea Thanks Mexican Fans: 'A Source of Energy, a Key to Victory'

South Korea secured a crucial 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 North American World Cup, held at the Guadalajara stadium. The win earned the "Tigers of Asia" their first three points in the tournament.

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From the first half, many Mexican fans were shouting 'Korea, Korea.' When I entered the field near the end of the match, I heard Mexican and Korean fans cheering us on with shouts again. That was a source of energy that allowed us to keep running and fighting; I could say it was one of the keys to achieving victory.

Despite not displaying their best football, South Korea managed to clinch the win, largely thanks to an inspired performance from In-beom Hwang. Hyeon-gyu Oh, who scored the decisive goal, spoke in the mixed zone after the match, emphasizing the vital role of the Mexican fans' support.

"From the first half, many Mexican fans were shouting 'Korea, Korea.' When I entered the field near the end of the match, I heard Mexican and Korean fans cheering us on with shouts again. That was a source of energy that allowed us to keep running and fighting; I could say it was one of the keys to achieving victory," Oh stated. The Besiktas forward expressed feeling "truly grateful" for the encouragement throughout the 90 minutes.

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I'm very happy to have scored in this first match, it was something I dreamed of four years ago.

Oh also shared his elation at scoring the winning goal, calling it a dream come true. Despite it being his first World Cup, he felt prepared, having closely observed his teammates four years prior. He revealed he almost missed the match due to a sudden high fever after lunch but was well-cared for by the medical staff. "The coach gave me a lot of confidence before I went in and told me several times to shoot a lot at the goal, thanks to that I was able to play with more security. I will strive even harder in the remaining matches," he added.

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The coach gave me a lot of confidence before I went in and told me several times to shoot a lot at the goal, thanks to that I was able to play with more security. I will strive even harder in the remaining matches.