'Iron Pillar Mentality' Kim Min-jae on the error leading to the game-winning goal: "It's not a big deal... mistakes can happen" [World Cup On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), the 'defensive core' of the South Korean national football team, swallowed his regret over the loss to Mexico. At the same time, he expressed confidence in the team's noticeably improved performance and reaffirmed his firm determination to advance to the Round of 32 on their own strength.

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

Kim Min-jae once again reliably took responsibility for the defense in this match, following his solid performance in the first match against the Czech Republic (2-1 victory). However, South Korea committed a fatal error due to a communication breakdown between the defense and the goalkeeper, falling to Mexico in a heartbreaking loss.

In a post-match interview in the mixed zone, Kim Min-jae said, "Overall, all the players put on a good performance, but we couldn't easily secure the points. It's not just me; all the other players feel the same way about the loss."

He continued, "However, we must secure three points in the next match, so I believe the players will prepare well without needing extra words. I think we will do well in the next game," as he vowed to defeat South Africa in the final match.

During the first-half hydration break, scenes were captured of coach Hong Myung-bo calling Kim Min-jae over to give him strong tactical instructions. Regarding this, Kim Min-jae explained, "The coach spoke about the overall defensive line and spacing. I received feedback on that part and tried to improve a bit more on the field."

Regarding the painful goal conceded in the 5th minute of the second half, he showed leadership by embracing his teammates. Kim Min-jae said, "We didn't give specific feedback to each other about that part after the game ended. When playing, mistakes can happen, and goals can be conceded. It seems the signals didn't quite match, but there's no need to dwell on it or make a big deal out of it by giving feedback." He spoke calmly.

He added, "Of course, it's hard for the players directly involved in the goal to not feel it's a big deal, but goals can happen that way. With only one match left, I hope we can focus a bit more in the next game," as he comforted his fellow defenders and the goalkeeper.

Currently, South Korea has lost its chance to finish first in the group due to Mexico, but it remains in a favorable position to advance to the Round of 32 as the second-place team. Regarding the match against South Africa, Kim Min-jae stated, "Rather than a resolve, it's a match we must win. I think the team performed well in both previous matches. Some parts that weren't quite right before coming to the World Cup have noticeably improved since arriving for the tournament. We are playing the World Cup with much better performance than during the previous friendly matches. The next match will naturally not be easy, but we will definitely win," he emphasized.

When asked about areas for improvement regarding conceding one goal in each of the two consecutive matches, he pointed to the defensive spacing. Kim Min-jae said, "Everyone is playing very well right now and showing better performance than before. However, I wish the defensive spacing could be tightened a bit more, so I am continuously communicating with the defensive line players every day about that part."

Regarding the one-sided cheering atmosphere of the host nation Mexico, filled with tremendous cheers, he said, "Honestly, there were no difficulties," but added, "Obviously, communication can be difficult when the ball is in play, but once that situation passes, we try to give quick feedback and improve on the field. Other younger players are now talking to me more freely, and I am also having conversations with them comfortably," showcasing the team's strong cohesion.

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*This content was translated by AI.