Czech coach says he knows how to stop Son Heung-min

Miroslav Koubek has said Czech Republic know how they plan to deal with Son Heung-min when they face South Korea on Friday in Group A of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Czech coach played down any sense of nerves around the country's first appearance at the tournament in 20 years. He said the long gap from the World Cup did not affect his focus or that of his players.

Koubek described Son, South Korea's captain, as a "real legend" and the biggest threat in a dangerous attack. But he added that Czech defenders have already faced top-level forwards and are capable of handling elite opposition.

He said the match would come down to tactics, using the team's strengths and keeping discipline throughout. Koubek also pointed to teamwork, unity and the chance to fulfil childhood dreams as the main motivations for his squad.