South Korean Team Finds Home Ground Atmosphere in Monterrey

In Monterrey, Mexico, the South Korean national football team is set to face South Africa in their final World Cup Group A match. Head coach Hong Myung-bo is optimistic about a supportive atmosphere, reminiscent of a home game. This follows the enthusiastic backing Korean players received from Mexican fans in Guadalajara after defeating the Czech Republic 2-1.

Hong Myung-bo, who led South Korea to the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, expressed gratitude, saying, “We may feel like this is our home ground tomorrow, and that is a very big gift to our players. We will use that very well so we can play a good game tomorrow.”

The strong support for South Korea stems from an event in 2018 when they beat Germany 2-0, helping Mexico advance to the round of 16. This created a bond between the football fans of both nations. Mexican and Korean fans have built a connection despite cultural differences.

Lee Ha-young, a fan from Seoul, highlighted this, saying, “Mexican fans have a lot of energy – more energy than us. We have the same energy in our hearts, but it’s really hard to express because in Korean culture it’s not easy to express our feelings.”

Monterrey hosts an estimated 5,000 South Koreans, mainly in Pesquería, near Kia Motors and other businesses. This adds to the camaraderie between the nations and enhances the fans’ experience at the World Cup matches held in Mexico, which shares hosting duties with the United States and Canada.

Despite some fans’ hopes to see matches in the U.S. due to Son Heung-min’s association with LAFC, Mexico’s warm reception has made them feel at home in Monterrey. Following a 1-0 defeat to Mexico, South Korea holds three points, placing them second in Group A. Both South Africa and the Czech Republic have one point each.

Advancement to the knockout stage requires South Korea to win or draw against South Africa. A loss could see them eliminated. A second-place group finish would mean a trip to Los Angeles for a round of 32 match. Los Angeles, with over 300,000 Korean-Americans, would be another familiar setting.

For now, the warm embrace of Mexican fans provides a different kind of comfort. “We might have to go to the U.S. for the round of 32,” Lee stated. “But I don’t want to leave, I want to stay here in Mexico.”