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🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu laments costly error in World Cup qualifier loss

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu expressed regret over a single mistake that led to a crucial goal in South Korea's 0-1 loss to Mexico in the World Cup qualifiers.
  • Kim acknowledged the need for greater concentration and better communication on the field, despite making several key saves during the match.
  • He urged his teammates to quickly forget the loss and focus on the upcoming matches, emphasizing their ability to qualify for the next round on their own.

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu voiced his deep regret over a pivotal error that cost South Korea a goal in their 0-1 defeat against Mexico in the World Cup qualifiers. The veteran keeper, despite a strong performance with multiple saves, was left lamenting a moment of misjudgment in the second half.

I should have concentrated a bit more.

— Kim Seung-gyuKim Seung-gyu's reflection on the mistake that led to the goal.

Kim admitted he needed to be more focused during the crucial play. He explained that he had tried to secure the ball safely, believing his teammates were nearby, but it slipped from his grasp. This mistake allowed the opposing player to score the decisive goal. "I should have concentrated a bit more," Kim stated in the mixed zone after the match, expressing his disappointment.

Despite the costly error, Kim's overall performance was solid, including a remarkable save against Raul Jimenez. He recognized the inherent pressure on goalkeepers, where a single mistake can overshadow numerous good plays. "The goalkeeper position is such that even if you play well, you can receive negative evaluations due to one missed goal," he said.

I judged that there were only our teammates, so I tried to catch it safely... but the result turned out that way.

— Kim Seung-gyuKim Seung-gyu explaining his thought process during the crucial play.

Kim also highlighted the importance of clear communication and quick decision-making on the field. He suggested that a lapse in his call or a misunderstanding with a teammate might have contributed to the situation. He was seen encouraging his defender, Lee Ki-hyuk, during a hydration break, emphasizing the need to move on and support each other.

The goalkeeper position is such that even if you play well, you can receive negative evaluations due to one missed goal.

— Kim Seung-gyuKim Seung-gyu on the unique pressures faced by goalkeepers.

Looking ahead, Kim stressed the team's determination to overcome the setback. "We told each other that if we hold firm at the back, the attackers will score one," he said. He urged his teammates to maintain their morale and focus on future games, as South Korea still has the opportunity to qualify for the next round based on their own performance.

We told each other that if we hold firm at the back, the attackers will score one.

— Kim Seung-gyuKim Seung-gyu on the team's encouragement to each other after the goal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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