South Korea's Bae Jun-ho Doubtful for World Cup Opener Against Czech Republic
South Korea midfielder Bae Jun-ho is unlikely to play in his nation's World Cup opener against Czech Republic on Thursday due to an ankle injury sustained 10 days ago. Bae, a 22-year-old Stoke City player, has been training individually and missed South Korea's recent 1-0 victory over El Salvador. The match marks the start of Group A play, with South Korea seeking to replicate their 2022 knockout stage success while Czech Republic aims to build on recent qualifying momentum.
South Korea faces Czech Republic in their World Cup Group A opener on Thursday in Guadalajara, but midfielder Bae Jun-ho is expected to miss the match due to an ankle injury sustained in a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The 22-year-old Stoke City playmaker, considered a key source of youthful vigor in coach Hong Myung-bo's squad, has been training separately and missed South Korea's recent 1-0 friendly victory over El Salvador. South Korea, which reached the 2022 knockout rounds with a stoppage-time winner from Hwang Hee-chan against Portugal, will look to repeat that success. Czech Republic enters the tournament with renewed confidence after six consecutive wins in recent matches, following their appointment of 74-year-old coach Miroslav Koubek, who guided them through the playoffs to their first World Cup appearance since 2006. The Czechs will rely on experienced players including West Ham's Tomas Soucek and striker Patrik Schick, the Euro 2020 joint top scorer.
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Bae doubtful for South Korea as World Cup opener with Czech Republic looms
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