'Not Selected for Asian Games → Emotional A-Team Debut' Kim Min-su: "It's Like a Dream... I Will Keep Proving Itself" [Suwon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Min-su (Rangers FC), the 20th-year-old "new star" who stepped onto the field with the Taegeuk mark for the first time in his life, shared his overwhelming emotions about his A-match debut.

On the 24th, South Korea decisively defeated Ecuador 3-0 in a friendly match hosted by Hana Bank at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

The 2006-born rookie Kim Min-su, who entered the field in the 30th minute of the second half to replace Song Min-gyu, played as a wide attacker and enjoyed an emotional A-team debut.

Kim Min-su, who was not included in the roster for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games football national team, received a call from coach Roberto Moreno and spent his best day yet by making a surprise debut match.

In a post-match interview at the mixed zone, Kim Min-su, with an excited expression, said, "I am grateful to the coach who selected me for this opportunity. From my debut match to this very moment, I feel incredibly happy." He added, "It was a place I had dreamed of. Although it was a short time, it truly felt like a dream. I did my best to get along well with my teammates and contribute to the team."

Despite having just played back-to-back Old Firm derbies against Celtic FC, known for its fierce rivalry at Scotland's prestigious Rangers, he noted that the weight of the Taegeuk mark was different. When asked if he felt more nervous than in his European debut match immediately after being substituted, Kim Min-su admitted, "It would be a lie to say I wasn't nervous for my first game. Since this is a Han Min-guk-eul (CEO) team, I was far more nervous and anxious than on the European stage."

He continued, "I made a few mistakes right after coming on, but I tried my best to help the team. Knowing how significant the national team is, I will work harder to prove that I deserve to be here."

Having played in Spain, Kim Min-su has a major advantage of being able to communicate with coach Moreno, who is also Spanish, without any language barriers. Kim Min-su explained, "It was very comfortable to communicate in Spanish. When I first met the coach, he warmly welcomed me with 'Bienvenido' (Welcome), but also lightly scolded me for joining the team last among all players. From the Cheonan training session onward, he provided such clear guidance on the subtle details and tactical movements required of a winger that I was able to perform well in my debut match."

He added, "Just before stepping onto the field, instead of giving special tactical instructions, he encouraged me to enjoy the game."

The experience of playing alongside senior players he had only watched on TV also became a valuable asset. Kim Min-su said, "My teammates are respected seniors who have already proven their abilities in Europe. Throughout training, I tried to learn as much as possible." He smiled and added, "After the match, my teammate Huh Min-ki and all the other players warmly congratulated me on my debut."

When asked if he planned to perform Son Heung-min's signature "click" celebration during his A-team debut goal, Kim Min-su laughed and replied, "Since the 'click' celebration belongs to Huh Min-ki, I think I should ask for permission first."

The 20-year-old rookie who made a surprise debut now looks toward an even more distant future. Kim Min-su stated, "I had no idea I would play from the very first game right after being called up. In the Ha Ji-man (CEO) team, I believe one must always be ready to play whenever the opportunity arises." He added with determination, "Since I have taken my first step, I will work harder and shed more sweat to prove myself and stay in this dreamlike position for as long as possible."

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*This content was translated by AI.