'Moving Interview That Resonated With the National Team' Lee Kang-in: "I'm Grateful to the Players Who Didn't Play" [Report from Guadalajara]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I am so grateful to those players as well. That means the most to me."

In the opening match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, midfielder Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain) of the South Korean national football team, who delivered a stellar performance, expressed touching remarks: "I am so grateful to my teammates," adding, "I feel especially grateful to the players who did not play."

On the 12th (Korea time), after leading South Korea to a 2-1 victory over Czech Republic in the opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, Lee Kang-in told reporters, "Although those players (those who were absent) were not mentioned, their support from behind and their assistance during training were a great help."

On this day, South Korea secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Czech Republic, and naturally, the spotlight fell on the players who participated in the match, including Lee Kang-in. However, Lee Kang-in highlighted not only the players who took the field but also those who did not play in today's match but prepared for the World Cup together.

Lee Kang-in said, "I was able to make good passes because my teammates made good movements. I am so grateful to my teammates," and added, "Even though we don't know when we will play, I am so grateful to the players who support and assist from behind. That is the most important thing."

Indeed, even in the process of securing the first victory after a series of twists and turns on the way to the World Cup, Lee Kang-in took care of the unseen players.

He said, "A lot of things happened while coming to this World Cup," and added, "After qualifying for the World Cup, many players came in and out of the Seon Su-deul-i (CEO) team, and some players could not come due to injuries. I am very happy and want to express my gratitude that we can repay all the players and everyone who has supported us so far with this victory."

During the World Cup four years ago in Qatar, Lee Kang-in, who was closer to a joker role after being unexpectedly selected, has taken on a 'core' role in Hong Myung-bo's team for this CONCACAF World Cup. In today's match against Czech Republic, Lee Kang-in played the full 90 minutes, recording a 100% pass success rate, creating three chances, and achieving an 83% dribble success rate. It was not just about simple statistics; Lee Kang-in was always at the center of the attack.

When asked about the "changed status" compared to the Qatar World Cup, Lee Kang-in said, "I tried to contribute to the team four years ago, and I am still trying to do so now. I will continue to do so in the future," and added, "Regardless of my status, the team is always the most important thing. I want to be a player who always contributes to the team, and I will strive to do so."

Lee Kang-in continued, "The important thing is that this match (against Czech Republic) is now over. We must prepare well for the next match (against Mexico)." He added, "I expect it to be a very difficult match, so we must prepare well to ensure a victory. It will be a difficult match, but it is our duty to defeat Mexico. If we prepare with all our efforts, I think we will see good results and good plays."

On this day, South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, conceded the first goal to Radislav Krejci (Czech Republic) in the 14th minute of the second half but secured a 2-1 victory over Czech Republic with an equalizing goal by Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), assisted by Lee Kang-in in the 22nd minute of the second half, and a go-ahead goal by Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) in the 35th minute of the second half. Following their 2-0 win over South Africa, South Korea started the group stage in second place in the group and will face Mexico at the same venue at 10 a.m. on the 19th.

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*This content was translated by AI.