Son Heung-min, who passed the captain's armband to Kim Min-jae, was seen holding something in his hand after the match... 'Infinite respect' for the captain was evident [Guadalajara on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

The South Korean national football team's solid unity and close mutual respect shone brightly even on the World Cup stage. The heartwarming scene captured on the field involving the captain's armband immediately after the victory over the Czech Republic represented the strong teamwork of Hong Myung-bo's squad.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in the first match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and the Caribbean, held on the 12th at 11 a.m. (Korea time) at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico.

While the Taegeuk Warriors were writing an unscripted drama on the pitch, a special scene unfolded between captain Son Heung-min (LAFC), who had been substituted off in the second half, and defensive core Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich). Son Heung-min, who was being substituted out in the second half, handed the captain's armband to Kim Min-jae, the vice-captain of his own team and the leader of the defensive line.

It is a very natural and common procedure in football for a starting captain to hand over the armband to the next player in line when substituted during a match.

The truly special moment came immediately after the referee's final whistle. Kim Min-jae, who had held off the Czech Republic's relentless attacks with his whole body to secure a 2-1 victory, removed the captain's armband from his arm after the match and held it in his hand. He then approached Son Heung-min, who had walked onto the field to share the joy of victory with his teammates.

Kim Min-jae returned the captain's armband to Son Heung-min's hand, expressing his respect. Although he had worn the armband and played on the pitch in the final moments of the match, this silent gesture acknowledged that Hong Myung-bo's 'captain' remains Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min, in turn, responded with a bright smile to Kim Min-jae's thoughtful action, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.

This tournament has been a harsh journey, requiring the team to withstand Mexico's one-sided home advantage. Amidst immense pressure and scrutiny from all sides, Son Heung-min, who has been the center of Hong Myung-bo's squad, and Kim Min-jae, who has shouldered the burden of the captaincy from the backline while showing utmost respect to the leader, have truly demonstrated how solid the internal unity of their team is.

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*This content was translated by AI.