By Honorary Reporter Karla Chavez Camargo from Mexico 

Korea's national soccer team has caught fan attention at the Qatar World Cup soccer finals mainly for their playing style, which the media has hailed for its tactical order and ball handling.

I interviewed six Honorary Reporters from Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic on their thoughts of the Taegeuk Warriors in the tournament and their messages of encouragement for the team ahead of its final Group H game against Portugal.

Karla Chavez (Mexico)

My interest in Korea began in late 2018, so the Qatar World Cup is the first that I've seen since growing interested in the Korean team. I bought ramyeon (instant noodles) at a Korean market close to my home to eat while watching Korea's games. At the store, I was pleasantly surprised to see both Korean and Mexican customers who had the same idea buy their favorite products, and they excitedly discussed the results they expected from their respective national teams. We Mexicans are seemingly growing more interested in Korean culture, with food an important common point and events like the World Cup creating a sense of community.

Carla Romero (Mexico)

After Korea helped Mexico advance to the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup in Russia by defeating Germany, I began following the Korean team. The tournament in Qatar is a different experience since Mexico and Korea are in separate groups. During a Korea game, my family's group message inbox was full of comments like "Are you watching the Korea match?" "Who's No. 9 for Korea?" "Goooaall by Korea" or "Did you see Son (Heung-min)?" It was amazing to see my family show their support for Korea.

Veronica Zuniga (Mexico)

In 2018, Mexico City was full of World Cup fever. I went to the Korean Cultural Center there to see the match but no seats were available. So I went to a Korean bar, which was packed with both Koreans and Mexicans including the Korean ambassador. I heard and learned from the Korean fans the official cheer of the Red Devils. At the end of the game, both sets of fans hugged each other, took pictures and went elsewhere to continue their celebration. 

When Korea beat Germany to help Mexico advance to the second round, thousands of Mexicans thanked Korea by singing "Korean, brother, you are Mexican!" Mexicans went to the Korean Embassy to offer tequila to the ambassador and carried him, cementing the friendship between both nations.

Yolanda Castillo (Venezuela)
The World Cup that moved me the most was the 2002 edition cohosted by Korea and Japan. I rooted for Brazil but was also impressed by Korea's fourth-place finish, as the Taegeuk Warriors proved to be great players and fighters. In this year's tournament, I admire Korea's play, especially against Ghana. The Korean players showed passion, anguish and commitment and never gave up until the final whistle. 

Itzel Flores (Mexico)

Despite Son Heung-min's injury, Korea showed passion, something that stood out during this World Cup, and he left a mark that will resonate over generations.

Emilia Delgado (Dominican Republic)

Korea is a nation passionate about sports and stands out for its passion and teamwork in Qatar. I hope that the words of encouragement in this article will reach the national team as we truly believe that Korea will show an excellent performance against Portugal.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.