Coach optimistic about acclimatization ahead of Friday opener; set pieces, aerial strength seen as key weapons

Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek answers reporters' questions at an official press conference at Guadalajara Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico, on Thursday, the day before the team's opening match against South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Yonhap]
Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek answers reporters' questions at an official press conference at Guadalajara Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico, on Thursday, the day before the team's opening match against South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Yonhap]

The Czech Republic head coach said his team would rely on its depth of talent and hard-won playoff experience heading into its opening match against South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at a press conference at Guadalajara Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico, on Wednesday, coach Miroslav Koubek acknowledged the threat posed by South Korea's attack. "Korea has a legend in Son Heung-min, and beyond him they have excellent forwards," he said. "That is probably the biggest threat we face."

He assessed South Korea as "a team with outstanding attacking quality" but expressed confidence in his own side. "We also have many fine players," Koubek said. "We came through a grueling playoff campaign, and I believe our players will deliver on the pitch."

South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, face the Czech Republic in their Group A opener at Guadalajara Stadium at 11 a.m. Friday, Korean time.

South Korea set up a pre-tournament camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, devoting considerable effort to acclimatizing to the high-altitude conditions in Guadalajara. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, had been training in Texas and only arrived in Guadalajara the day before the match.

Koubek said the conditions were not a concern. "Weather and environment always come up as topics, but personally I don't worry about it much — we have things well under control," he said. He added that while early acclimatization has its merits, he was focused on what his players would show on the pitch Friday.

The Czech Republic are appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, having last played at the 2006 tournament in Germany, where they were eliminated in the group stage. They secured their place in this year's finals dramatically, beating both Ireland and Denmark in the playoffs — each match going to a penalty shootout.

The Czech attack is anchored by Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen and Pavel Sulc of Lyon, both players of considerable individual quality. Particularly notable is the squad's physical stature — no fewer than 10 players stand at least 190 centimeters tall, giving the team a pronounced advantage in aerial duels and set pieces.

"Preparations are going well," Koubek said. "The starting lineup has been set for two days now."


yjc@heraldcorp.com