(World Cup) S. Korean midfielder ready to sacrifice for team for win over Mexico

By Joo Kyung-don

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean midfielder Lee Jae-sung said Friday he is ready to sacrifice for the team in order to get a win against Mexico at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

South Korea will face Mexico in their second match in Group F at Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don on Saturday. After losing their Group F opener 1-0 to Sweden in Nizhny Novgorod on Monday, South Korea need a win to keep alive hopes of advancing to the round of 16. A draw or even a loss wouldn't rule out South Korea completely from contention, but it would make their journey more difficult.

"We're not in a situation to sit back," Lee said at a pre-match press conference. "We didn't get the result that we wanted in the opening match, but the players have set their minds straight and will give everything like this is our final match."

Lee, who won the 2017 MVP honors in South Korea's K League 1 with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, didn't impress in his World Cup debut against Sweden.

"Instead of thinking about my past glories, I'm preparing for my team's honor and the ways I can sacrifice for this team."

Lee, 25, said South Korea will play more aggressively against Mexico than they did against Sweden. South Korea had no shots on target in their Group F opener.

"In the first match, I think our attackers helped the team more on defense," he said. "This time, we'll put more power into attack, and the coach is asking us to do so."

Lee, who can play as an attacking midfielder or a right winger, said the players took enough rest to recover their fitness for the Mexico match. He said the players are also ready to help their attacking ace Son Heung-min.

"It's an honor to play next to Son," he said of the Tottenham Hotspur player. "I think we need to help him a lot. We have to be more aggressive and sacrifice for teammates."

Mexico stunned the world with a 1-0 win over defending champions Germany in their Group F opener. They're expected to get more boost from their avid fans, who will likely outnumber South Koreans at the stadium.

But Lee said he isn't worried about such an environment.

"We've just set our mindset straight, and we are ready to follow the coach's instructions," he said. "We're all professional players, and we don't have to be intimidated by a large number of Mexico fans. It's going to be a fun and entertaining match."

kdon@yna.co.kr
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