Did the Asian Games 'interview controversy' lead to their exclusion? Moreno, who left out some gold medalists: "All decisions are based on performance" [Cheonan On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Has the 'interview controversy' involving some players that erupted at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games also influenced national team selections? Roberto Moreno (49), head coach of the South Korea men's national football team, answered directly on this matter. He emphasized that all decisions were made based on footballing judgment and performance.

Coach Moreno held a press conference at 2 p.m. on the 29th at Cheonan Korea Football Park in Chungnam Province to announce the list of 26 Taeguk Warriors who will compete in the November A-matches.

South Korea will play two away friendly matches against Saudi Arabia on November 13 and Qatar on the 17th in Doha, Qatar. This is the final A-match schedule for this year.

The Asian Games gold medalists included in this list were Uhm Ji-sung (Swansea City), Shin Min-ha (Gangwon FC), and Kim Ji-soo (Brentford), totaling three players.

Previously, the South Korea under-23 (U-23) national football team led by coach Lee Min-seong defeated 'eternal rivals' Japan 1-0 in the Asian Games men's football final to win the gold medal. As a result, South Korea achieved a four-time consecutive title in men's football at the Asian Games, continuing from the 2014 Incheon Games.

However, before the joy of winning the gold medal had even faded, an unexpected controversy erupted. Some players faced criticism for making remarks related to military service benefits in post-match interviews.

Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC), who served as captain of the Asian Games national team at the time, along with Yang Min-hyuk (Vestelo) and others, became embroiled in the controversy, subsequently apologizing repeatedly to manage the situation.

Park Seung-soo (Newcastle) also sparked controversy by posting a photo on social media wearing a 'discharge' patch after winning the gold medal, later bowing his head in apology.

None of them made it onto this A-national team list. In particular, Lee Ki-hyuk is a player who had been active as a starting defender for South Korea at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. At that time, he started all three group stage matches as a center-back in a three-man defense, taking charge of South Korea's defense. He was also selected as a wildcard for the Asian Games, contributing to the gold medal win. However, he was excluded from this November A-match list.

On this day, Coach Moreno was asked whether the interview controversy and other issues at the Asian Games had influenced the non-selection of some players.

However, Coach Moreno replied, "As I have said, the criteria for all judgments and decisions were based on footballing aspects and performance."

He continued, "Among the players who participated in the Asian Games, there were many who performed very well and whom I was pleased with," while explaining, "Nevertheless, other players also had their own value and were included in this list. I believe that more experienced and better players are occupying those positions."

In fact, along with some Asian Games gold medalists, new faces also received Coach Moreno's call in this list.

Uhm Ji-sung was a key player who led South Korea to the gold medal at the Asian Games, recording four goals and four assists. In particular, he scored a crucial winning goal in the final against Japan, leading South Korea to a 1-0 victory. Based on this performance, he made it onto this A-national team list as well.

Kim Ji-soo also wore the Taeguk mark again. In addition, Shin Min-ha, who played as a defender at the Asian Games, enjoyed the joy of being selected for the A-national team for the first time in his life.

Shin Min-ha has shown growth by consistently earning playing time this season with Gangwon FC in K League 1. Based on his performance at the Asian Games and with his club, he has secured an opportunity to prove his value in the A-national team as well.

Another surprise selection is Son Jeong-beom of FC Seoul. Born in 2007, Son Jeong-beom stood out on the K League 1 stage at the age of 19 this year. In his debut season, he appeared in 30 league matches, recording two goals and two assists, and contributed to Seoul's first championship in 10 years. Amidst this performance, Son Jeong-beom also made it onto the A-national team list for the first time.

Son Jeong-beom received the Star Award in the football category of the 'Futures Star Awards' in 2024 while attending Osan High School. The Futures Star Awards, hosted and organized by this publication, StarNews, is an award ceremony established to discover and encourage amateur prospects who will lead the future of Korean sports.

Coach Moreno explained the reason for selecting Shin Min-ha and Son Jeong-beom, stating, "Both players are young and have great potential. I believe they will be helpful to the national team's performance in the future."

He continued, "If such young and talented players come up from below, they will play a positive role in building the ultimate goal of the national team, which is forming the best possible team."

Coach Moreno also clearly stated his performance-centered selection principle in his opening remarks. He revealed, "The criteria for the list will be based solely on performance today and in the future, taking into account condition, playing time with their clubs, and what each player adds to the team."

He then added, "The door of the national team is open to anyone who proves their qualification on the field."

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original