"I'll headbutt and run like a madman." Hong Myung-bo's determination is this intense... Kim Jin-gyu reveals the desperate reality of "all possible scenarios" [World Cup On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hong Myung-bo's team, which has no choice but to wait for a favorable outcome, plans to unleash unprecedented fighting spirit if a slim hope of revival emerges.

The South Korean national football team held training at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, the team's base camp, on the morning of the 27th (local time).

South Korea defeated Czech Republic 2-1 in the first match of the World Cup Group A, securing a favorable position for advancing to the round of 32, but fell to third place in the group after consecutive losses to Mexico and South Africa (both 0-1).

This tournament features 48 participating countries, with the top two teams from each group advancing directly to the Round of 32, while the top eight third-placed teams also qualify for the knockout stage. However, South Korea finds itself at a disadvantage, as it must wait for the results of only three groups.

For South Korea to catch the last train to the Round of 32, it is sufficient for at least two scenarios among the remaining Group L, K, and J matches to materialize for the team to advance to the knockout stage. To meet these conditions, scenarios such as Canada defeating Croatia in Group L and Uzbekistan beating Congo in Group K must come to fruition.

Before the training session, midfielder Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) met with reporters and said, "It is regrettable that we did not capitalize on the favorable situation and opportunities despite this being our first World Cup," adding, "In particular, the second match against Mexico, where we could have earned enough points, is the most regrettable."

Regarding the sluggish third match against South Africa, which was so powerless that even fans found it hard to accept, he pointed out that uncontrollable psychological pressure and mistakes during the game were the causes. Kim Jin-gyu said, "There are times when things go well and times when they don't in a match," and explained, "When you make unexpected mistakes and get counterattacked, it's not easy to control yourself psychologically during the game, even with a lot of experience. It seems I had a hard time in various aspects because I was playing in the hot weather while making even minor mistakes."

Regarding the atmosphere in the locker room immediately after the third-game defeat, he said, "Rather than exchanging many words, a time of silence passed. Since an unwanted situation occurred, no one could speak easily." He added, "As time has passed, we are gradually beginning to talk about the results of other teams."

Kim Jin-gyu also confessed about the unique pressure and sense of responsibility that came with his first-ever World Cup stage. He said, "Seeing the people in the first match situation, it finally felt real to me now. I recalled all the soccer I had played until now," and added, "I truly felt that this stage is special. I wish the first World Cup had gone well, and I feel sorry and regretful to the fans."

While it is difficult to discuss immediate growth given that the tournament is still ongoing, he added that he believes this experience will become a significant asset in the future. He said, "Since the tournament is still in progress, I cannot yet feel that I have grown in any specific way. However, once the tournament ends and I return to my team to play matches, I think my perspective on football may have improved by one level thanks to having participated in such a major tournament."

After the devastating defeat, the message that Coach Hong Myung-bo conveyed to the players was also reported. Kim Jin-gyu stated, "The coach said the result is your responsibility," and added, "Since there is nothing we can do now but watch, he simply told us to train well and wait for us to play the remaining games well."

Although South Korea's chances of advancing to the Round of 32 have plummeted significantly, if they miraculously catch the last train to the tournament, they are determined to step onto the pitch with a completely different mindset. Kim Jin-gyu stated, "I believe the three group stage matches were games guaranteed since before the World Cup."

However, the Round of 32 is a cliffhanger match where you can either go home or keep going," he said, adding, "If given the chance, I will throw my head into it and run like a madman. We will prepare so that we never show the lifeless performance we showed in the third game again. We will reevaluate our mental strength and perform well from the start of training."

The team is currently enduring a nerve-wracking wait, hoping fervently for the mercy of other nations. Kim Jin-kyu added regarding the team's current mood, "We are not watching the games together. While we watch meals together, it seems that outside of that, each person gathers with close friends to watch. They are watching other teams' games with a truly earnest heart."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.