South Korea back at work with Mexico on horizon
ZAPOPAN, Mexico — After enjoying a day off, South Korea returned to training Sunday to prepare for their next group stage match of the FIFA World Cup against Mexico. Both South Korea and Mexico won their first matches of Group A last week, with the former beating Czechia 2-1 and the latter blanking South Africa 2-0. South Korea and Mexico will square off at 7 p.m. Thursday at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, western Mexico, or 10 a.m. Friday (South Korean time). The winner will be in a prime position to progress to the knockout phase as the group winner. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo ran his players through light recovery work Friday, the day after the opening win, and gave them a full day off Saturday. Sunday's session started with some conditioning work, followed by passing and shooting drills. A national team official said tactical work got under way in earnest Monday. Two players working their way back from ankle injuries, defender Kim Tae-hyeon and midfielder Bae Jun-ho, rode stationary bikes on the sidelines and didn't participate in the full session. Both players may be available