Player-turned-analyst predicts runner-up finish for Korean in group stage

The Korea Times

Player-turned-analyst predicts runner-up finish for Korean in group stage

Now working as a commentator on television, former FIFA World Cup hero Lee Young-pyo predicted Monday that Korea will finish second in their group at this year's tournament. Korea will be up against Czechia, South Africa and Mexico, one of three co-host countries, in Group A. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will advance to the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-place teams. "Mexico will likely win Group A, considering their recent performance and home advantage," Lee said during his visit to Korea's training facility near Guadalajara. "And it's highly likely that Korea will finish second. And that would be a very good start." Lee, one of the heroes of Korea's run to the semifinals at the 2002 tournament, said beating Czechia in the first match Thursday will put the Taegeuk Warriors on the right track. "Grabbing three points in the first match will be crucial for the team's fate," Lee said. "If the players perform the way they are capable of, then they should be able to win. If they don't win the first match, then the pressure will start mounting in the second mat

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