South Korea's Kim hopes World Cup results make up for missing daughter’s birth

South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu is prioritizing the World Cup over being present for his daughter's birth. The 35-year-old, preparing for his fourth World Cup, expressed his determination to make up for his absence with strong performances on the field.

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I am really sorry that I couldn't be with my wife for the birth, and I want to bring home good results from here as my presents.

"I am really sorry that I couldn't be with my wife for the birth, and I want to bring home good results from here as my presents," Kim told reporters on Sunday. He acknowledged the emotional toll of being away from his family during such a significant personal event.

Kim, an experienced FC Tokyo goalkeeper with over 80 caps for South Korea, faces competition for the starting position. This tournament also carries a sense of finality for him, as he suggested this campaign might be his last World Cup. "Given my age now, this one really does feel like my final one," he said, though his enthusiasm remains undimmed.

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I've played at every World Cup thinking it could be my last. Given my age now, this one really does feel like my final one.

Despite the personal sacrifice, Kim is focused on the team's goals. "I am just as excited about my fourth World Cup as I was about my first one. The first match will set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and so there will be some pressure. I will try to stay calm and just do what I can do," he stated. South Korea is grouped with co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, and will begin their campaign against the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11.

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I am just as excited about my fourth World Cup as I was about my first one. The first match will set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and so there will be some pressure. I will try to stay calm and just do what I can do.