‘Fantasy cross’ Um Ji-sung: ‘Luck wasn’t on our side… reminded me of 2022 Ghana game’

South Korean player Um Ji-sung expressed regret over a missed scoring opportunity in the team's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mexico. The moment involved a precise cross to teammate Cho Gue-sung, whose header was ultimately saved by the Mexican goalkeeper.

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The cross was a planned play. Looking at the video after the game, the cross was quite strong, but when I kicked it, that moment felt like it was flowing slowly, like slow motion.

Um recalled the play, describing the cross as a "fantasy cross" and noting that the brief instant reminded him of a goal scored against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup. He explained that the cross was a planned play, not an isolated pass to Cho Gue-sung. He felt the cross was powerful and the moment seemed to unfold in slow motion. "If the goal had gone in, we could have earned points and created a good atmosphere, but it's a shame," Um stated.

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If the goal had gone in, we could have earned points and created a good atmosphere, but it's a shame.

He shared that he and Cho Gue-sung discussed the play afterward, with Cho explaining his movements and asking Um to continue delivering similar crosses. Um, who was substituted into the game in the second half, said coach Hong Myung-bo had instructed him to focus on attacking plays, including one-on-one dribbles and crosses from the wing. "I practiced a lot and kicked at the right time, but it seems luck just wasn't on our side. I will create many such scenes in the next game," he vowed.

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He (Cho Gue-sung) also explained his decision-making process for his movements and asked me to keep delivering crosses like that next time.

Um, who plays for Swansea City in England's Championship, aims to contribute offensively through crosses and creating shooting opportunities, which he considers his strengths. He admitted that playing in his first World Cup still feels surreal but believes it reduces his on-field tension. The team atmosphere is positive, and they still have a good chance to advance to the Round of 32. Um concluded by saying the team has reflected on the missed chances against Mexico and is motivated to improve, confident they can achieve a good result in their final group match against South Africa.

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Coach Hong Myung-bo ordered me to frequently make attacking plays like one-on-one breakthroughs and crosses from the flank.