The South Korean national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, concluded the first half of their crucial match against Mexico in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup without scoring.
On June 19 at 10 a.m. KST, the match took place at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. The teams went into halftime with a score of 0-0.
Korea made only one change to the starting lineup from their previous match against the Czech Republic, which they won 2-1, employing a 3-4-2-1 formation. Son Heung-min (LAFC) led the attack, supported by Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) in the midfield. The central midfield featured Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), while wingbacks were Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda) and Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana Citizen). The three-man defense included Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon FC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), with Kim Seung-kyu (FC Tokyo) in goal.
As this match was pivotal for determining the group leader, the first half was tightly contested. Korea applied strong pressure early on, trying to seize control of the game. In the third minute, Lee Kang-in received a yellow card during a challenge, but the team maintained a stable defensive balance with their three-man backline.
Korea had a promising opportunity in the 16th minute when Son Heung-min made a run following a precise through ball from Lee Kang-in, attempting a lob shot over the Mexican goalkeeper. However, the shot was blocked by a defender, and Son was ruled offside.
Mexico responded aggressively. In the 19th minute, a cross from the right led to a header attempt by Julian Quinones, which was expertly saved by goalkeeper Kim Seung-kyu, averting a potential crisis.
After a hydration break in the 22nd minute, Korea regrouped and gradually increased their ball possession, regaining control of the attack.
In the 41st minute, Seol Young-woo attempted a left-footed shot near the penalty box. By the 45th minute, Lee Han-beom's cross saw Lee Jae-sung make a run into the box, looking for an opening.
Despite these efforts, Korea was unable to convert any chances into goals, and the first half ended without any scoring.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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