South Korea trained as a full squad on Monday after injured players returned ahead of their FIFA World Cup Group A match against Mexico. The team is preparing at its base camp in Zapopan, Mexico.
Defender Kim Tae-hyeon and midfielder Bae Jun-ho fully participated in the session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan. Kim Tae-hyeon suffered an ankle injury during training last Tuesday, while Bae Jun-ho was sidelined by an ankle issue from a May 30 friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. National team officials had initially ruled Kim out of the group stage but he has recovered enough to be available against Mexico.
The match kicks off at 7 p.m. local time Thursday at Estadio Guadalajara. Both South Korea and Mexico won their opening matches, with South Korea defeating Czechia 2-1.
Team psychologist Han Doug-hyun described the players' mental state as 'stable.' He said the squad is not overly excited after the first win and is simply enjoying the process. Coach Hong Myung-bo brought Han to the World Cup for the first time to support mental preparation.
