From the very first match of the Moreno-led squad, a "surprising discovery" emerged: Kim Bong-soo, who was brought on as a substitute, assisted the decisive goal... Foreign media also praised him, stating, "He made a one-on-one chance with an exquisite penetrating pass."

*This content was translated by AI.

A "surprising discovery" emerged from the very first match of Robert Moreno (Spain), the interim head coach of the South Korean national football team. Midfielder Kim Bong-soo (26, Daejeon Hana Citizen) proved his value by assisting the decisive goal after being substituted into the game.

The South Korean men's national football team, led by Coach Moreno, secured a 3-0 victory in the first of four friendly matches against Ecuador held on the 24th at Suwon World Cup Stadium as part of the Hana Bank Invitational National Team Friendly Matches for September and October. The win was powered by consecutive goals from Oh Hyun-gyu (Besiktas), Son Heung-min (LAFC), and Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan).

After being eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Korea entered a "interim" Moreno-led regime and recorded a victory from their first match.

Previously, the Korea Football Association appointed Coach Moreno after conducting its first-ever open recruitment following the World Cup. The match against Ecuador was the debut game for the new commander.

Coach Moreno deployed the anticipated 4-4-2 formation.

South Korea finished the first half 0-0 but dominated in the second half. Oh Hyun-gyu scored the opening goal in the 9th minute of the second half, and four minutes later, Son Heung-min added another goal with a free kick.

In the 20th minute of the second half, when South Korea led 2-0, an opportunity came for Kim Bong-soo.

Although it was a short time, his presence was definite. Kim recorded 27 ball touches in 25 minutes and completed 22 of his 24 passes, achieving a success rate of 92%. He also attempted one dribble breakthrough, which was successful. Football statistics media FootMob gave Kim Bong-soo a favorable rating of 7.2.

The highlight came in the 41st minute of the second half.

While South Korea was launching an attack in Ecuador's territory, Kim Bong-soo threaded an exquisite penetrating pass through the opposing defenders' lines. It was a pass that instantly dismantled the defensive line.

Lee Dong-gyeong, who received the ball, faced goalkeeper Hernan Galindez one-on-one and shook the net with a calm shot to make it 3-0.

This scene clearly revealed Kim Bong-soo's inherent strengths.

At his club Daejeon, Kim Bong-soo is known for his ability to maintain possession in ball duels based on his active work rate in the midfield. Additionally, he opens up attacking lanes with sharp through passes that pierce through defensive lines.

The assist for the decisive goal against Ecuador also stemmed directly from this strength.

Foreign media also focused on South Korea's third goal scene.

Spanish media outlet 'AS' evaluated Lee Dong-gyeong's goal-scoring moment, stating, "It was a well-constructed play. It looked like it came straight out of a tactical board."

Furthermore, even in situations where Ecuador sat back defensively, they specifically highlighted that "Kim Bong-soo made a penetrating pass to create a one-on-one opportunity for Lee Dong-gyeong against goalkeeper Galindez."

Until now, the South Korean national team's midfield has been anchored by overseas players such as Hwang In-beom (FC Porto) and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City).

With Kim Bong-soo recording an attacking point from Coach Moreno's first match, he also demonstrated the potential to be utilized as a new midfield option.

Born in 1999, Kim Bong-soo has consistently played for Daejeon this season. He appeared in 27 matches in the 2026 K League 1 and recorded one assist; including the Super Cup, he played in 28 official matches.

His professional career totals stand at 197 matches, five goals, and eight assists. He began his professional life with Jeju, moved through Gimcheon, and settled at Daejeon in 2025.

His club Daejeon also recorded 10 wins, 10 draws, and 10 losses in 30 matches this season, accumulating 40 points to finish sixth in K League 1 and compete for a mid-to-upper tier position.

Meanwhile, South Korea will face Uruguay at 8 p.m. on the 28th at Seoul World Cup Stadium. This is followed by a match against Venezuela at 8 p.m. on October 2 at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium and a clash with Uzbekistan at 8 p.m. on October 6 at Yongin Mir Stadium.

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

*This content was translated by AI.