Incheon: South Korea's head coach, Hong Myung-bo, emphasized the necessity of adopting a "scientific approach" in the selection of the team's base camp for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Hong's comments followed his return from attending the World Cup draw in Washington and evaluating potential base camps in Mexico, a co-host nation along with the United States and Canada.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea finds itself in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and a European playoff winner yet to be determined. The team is scheduled to play all its group stage matches in Mexico, with two games near Guadalajara and one in Monterrey. Hong, speaking at Incheon International Airport, revealed he had assessed eight potential base camps. He noted the importance of factors such as climate, altitude adaptation, and travel distance, pointing out the necessity of a scientific evaluation in making the final choice.
National teams are tasked with submitting a list of three preferred base camps to FIFA in January. FIFA will then allocate the camps, considering the proximity to group stage matches and teams' specific requests, with final decisions anticipated in March or April. South Korea's team faces a unique challenge with two matches in Guadalajara, situated approximately 1,500 meters above sea level-a factor Hong acknowledged could impact performance, necessitating expert consultation.
Despite being placed in what some pundits consider an easier group based on FIFA rankings, with Mexico at No. 15, South Korea at No. 22, and South Africa at No. 61, Hong expressed caution. He specifically highlighted concerns about facing Mexico, the home team, due to their familiarity with local conditions and strong fan support. Reflecting on South Korea's unexpected semifinal run as a co-host in 2002, Hong underscored the advantage home teams enjoy and the challenges his team might face against Mexico's passionate supporters.
Hong concluded by stressing the importance of keeping these factors in mind as South Korea prepares for the tournament, acknowledging that playing against Mexico will not be an easy task, despite favorable group perceptions.