"Mexico have won one knockout game at the World Cup, beating Bulgaria last time they hosted, in 1986. Their manager, Javier Aguirre, was a forward in that side and will be targeting their third quarter-final as hosts. South Africa, coached by the veteran Belgian Hugo Broos, qualified for their first World Cup since hosting, finishing above Nigeria and Benin, despite having a game against Lesotho they appeared to have won awarded against them for fielding a suspended player."
"This will be South Korea's 11th consecutive World Cup. Hong Myung-bo played in four of those, and came third in the voting for the Golden Ball when South Korea reached the semi-final in 2002. He is now their coach and led them unbeaten through a far from straightforward qualifying group. The fourth team in Group A will be a European playoff winner from the Czech Republic, Denmark, North Macedonia or Republic of Ireland."
Mexico and South Africa will open the tournament at the Azteca, repeating the 2010 opener. Mexico have won one World Cup knockout match, beating Bulgaria in 1986, and manager Javier Aguirre played in that side and aims for a third quarter-final on home soil. South Africa qualified for their first World Cup since hosting, finishing above Nigeria and Benin despite a match against Lesotho being awarded against them for fielding a suspended player. South Korea make an 11th consecutive finals appearance under coach Hong Myung-bo, who led them unbeaten through a challenging qualifying group. Group A’s fourth spot will be decided by a European playoff.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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