The final match, Monterrey, is a test that requires not only soccer skills but also extreme patience from the players. The local daytime high temperature exceeds 35 degrees, and the perceived temperature combined with humidity is close to 40 degrees, literally 'cauldron heat' is rampant. A national team official said that despite the difficult environment, the players are quietly completing their schedule by focusing on tactical training and set-piece inspection. In particular, the 'Hydration Break', which was introduced by FIFA as a measure to prepare for heat waves, is expected to be an important variable that changes the flow of the game in this game. Although there are concerns about the players' physical decline, the national team, which has improved its tactical perfection through closed training, is preparing for the decisive match without hesitation.

From a tactical perspective, this match against South Africa is expected to be a stage for overcoming the ‘African jinx’ in Korean soccer. Korea has struggled somewhat in previous World Cups, recording 1 win, 1 loss, and 2 draws against African teams. This time, their opponent, South Africa, is ranked 61st in the FIFA rankings and has lower objective power than Korea, but they are an opponent that they can never let down their guard. Coach Hong Myung-bo can advance to the round of 32 on his own with a draw in this game, but if he loses, he faces the risk of being eliminated in fourth place in the group. Therefore, rather than a defensive operation, it is predicted that the team will design an aggressive lineup that uses the best members to take the lead from the beginning. In addition, referee Fakun Teyo, who was selected as the referee for this game, was the referee for the match between Korea and Portugal during the Qatar World Cup, and has a tendency to make difficult decisions that we are familiar with, making the fun of managing the game even more important.

Behind the huge festival called the World Cup, there are fierce marketing strategies of companies seeking growth using soccer as a brand asset. In particular, Hana Financial Group has been accompanying the Korea Football Association and sponsoring the national team since 1998, and recently extended the partnership until 2033, claiming to be a strong supporter of Korean football. Beyond simple advertising sponsorship, they are continuing to make long-term investments across the entire soccer ecosystem, including K-League title sponsorship, operation of Daejeon Hana Citizen, and soccer stadium environment improvement projects for the socially disadvantaged. The public's interest during the World Cup period serves as an opportunity for these companies to maximize their brand value, which in turn leads to a virtuous cycle that expands the base of the soccer industry.

Local Korean residents and fans showed great support for the national team that arrived in Monterrey. Despite the heatwave of 35 degrees Celsius, about 100 fans gathered in front of the hotel and cheered for Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, giving strength to the players. The players quickly moved to the hotel and appeared to be trying to stay focused on the game, but the fans' earnest wishes were placed entirely on the players' shoulders. The South African national team also entered Monterrey on the 22nd and began preparations for the showdown in earnest, with a fierce battle of 90 minutes ahead that neither team can yield. We once again realize that soccer is more than just a game where 22 people kick a ball, it is a drama that condenses the pride and passion of a nation.