Czech Republic Wary of South Korea's Jersey Number Change Strategy
South Korea's national football team strategy ahead of the match against the Czech Republic has raised concerns, with their two consecutive exhibition matches and unusual use of jersey numbers drawing attention. Check out the preparation process ahead of the World Cup group stage, and also take a look at the significance of adapting to high altitude.
Czech media reported that they were wary of the strategy of the South Korean national football team led by head coach Hong Myungbo. South Korea defeated El Salvador 10 in a friendly on June 5, and finished its preWorld Cup tuneup matches with two consecutive wins, including the earlier match against Trinidad and Tobago.
Local Czech media reported that as South Korea prepared for its first World Cup groupstage opponent, the Czech Republic, it gave rest to its regular players and used a starting lineup and squad numbers different from usual. Son Heungmin wore number 13 in two straight matches, and Lee Kangin, Oh Hyungyu, and Cho Guesung were also assigned unfamiliar numbers.
After the match against El Salvador, the South Korean national team will move to Guadalajara, Mexico, to prepare for the World Cup group stage. Since Guadalajara is located at high altitude, the team has been training in Salt Lake City, USA, to adapt to a similar environment.