'It's my fault' Kim Seung-gyu shoulders the responsibility for the goal... Lee Ki-hyeok warmly embraces him after a 'painful collision' [World Cup On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), the veteran goalkeeper of the South Korean national football team, conveyed a heavy sense of responsibility for the disappointing loss to Mexico, which was marred by a costly error.

The South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Mexico in the second match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, held at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, at 10 a.m. Korea time on the 19th.

Kim Seung-gyu, who made several super saves in the first half, had to swallow his disappointment as a goal conceded in the 5th minute of the second half due to a communication error with defender Lee Ki-hyeok (Kangwon FC) ultimately led to the loss.

After the match, Kim Seung-gyu met with reporters in the mixed zone and said, "It seems that's just how it is for a goalkeeper. Even if you do everything well, if you concede a goal, the match receives a poor evaluation, and ultimately the result turns out badly." He added, "I should have focused a bit more on that one moment, but I didn't, and that's why the result changed like this," as he took full blame.

He calmly explained the controversial goal conceded in the 5th minute of the second half. Kim Seung-gyu said, "First, the ball was high in the air, and I judged that only our side was under it. So I went out safely to try to catch it, but the result turned out that way," recalling the situation at the time.

Regarding the call play error caused by the one-sided cheers of the host nation Mexico fans filling the stadium, he added, "Call plays also need to be judged quickly depending on the situation," and noted, "The sound might not have been heard clearly, and it seems the timing was off due to a combination of such factors."

Kim Seung-gyu's veteran dignity shone during the hydration break in the match. At that time, he was captured warmly embracing Lee Ki-hyeok, whose signal had not matched during the goal-scoring process, as they exchanged words. Regarding this, Kim Seung-gyu revealed, "First, the match must continue, so I told him, 'Let's forget it quickly.' I also said, 'As long as the result is good, everything will be fine. If we hold firm from the back, someone up front will make it happen,' trying to stabilize his mentality."

The final match against South Africa became the dividing line for advancing to the Round of 32. Kim Seung-gyu said, "We told the players not to let the mood drop," and added, "There is still one match left, and I think South Korea is in a slightly more advantageous position. Since we are in a situation where we can advance to the Round of 32 through our own efforts, we will prepare well for the next match," raising his voice.

He further emphasized, "Through today's match, I hope the team comes together firmly once again and plays well in the next match."

Additionally, Kim Seung-gyu, who reportedly watched the match between South Africa and Czech Republic (1-1 draw) held before the South Korea-Mexico game, mostly during the second half by cutting into his nap time, said, "South Africa, like in their first match against Mexico, has excellent individual skills. Their team style is also clear." He continued, "In fact, they seem to have better individual skills than the Czech Republic, and as a team, they have many coordinated plays, making them a well-organized side. We will prepare thoroughly without any complacency," burning with determination for a scoreless victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.