Castrop admits mistake in World Cup debut loss to South Africa

Jens Castrop, a player with German and Korean heritage, made his World Cup debut for South Korea in their crucial qualifying match against South Africa. Despite the dream of playing on the world stage, the 0-1 loss left him with regret. He took responsibility for the game's only goal, a strike by South Africa's Tshepo Masilela, admitting he failed to close down the opponent quickly enough.

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It was my mistake.

"It was my mistake," Castrop told reporters in the mixed zone after the match. He explained that he had been instructed by coach Hong Myung-bo to play aggressively in South Africa's defensive half, but the team ultimately conceded on a counter-attack after failing to score themselves.

Castrop, who joined German club Borussia Mönchengladbach last year, is the first foreign-born player of mixed heritage to represent South Korea. He acknowledged the significant difference between observing the game from the sidelines and playing on the field, citing challenging humidity and weather conditions that made aggressive play difficult.

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When the opponent took the shot, I couldn't close my legs in time and ended up conceding a goal. That was my mistake.

"The result is disappointing, but we now have to watch the situations in other groups," Castrop said. "If we advance to the Round of 32, I will focus 100% on the next game."

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The result is disappointing, but we now have to watch the situations in other groups. If we advance to the Round of 32, I will focus 100% on the next game.