Bento's Warning to the Homeland: "Will Push to the Extreme"

"The Most Powerful Team in Portuguese History, Will Do Their Best by Pushing to the Limit"

On the 1st (local time), one day before the third group stage match against Portugal in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Coach Paulo Bento held a press conference at the media center (MMC) set up at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] "No matter what happens tomorrow, I will be proud of the journey over the past four years."

These words from Paulo Bento (53, photo), who had maintained a calm demeanor during press conferences, were filled with emotion. Depending on the result, the match against Portugal could be his last as the head coach of the South Korean national football team.

At a press conference held on the 1st at the Main Media Center (MMC) in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the final Group H match against Portugal in the Qatar World Cup group stage, Coach Bento expressed his determination, saying, "I am proud of the players and will be satisfied with the (result)."

South Korea currently ranks 3rd in Group H with 1 draw and 1 loss. After the defeat against Ghana dashed their hopes of advancing to the round of 16 on their own, South Korea must win against group leader Portugal (2 wins) to have a chance to advance. Even if they win, Uruguay (1 draw, 1 loss) must either defeat or draw with Ghana (1 win, 1 loss) for South Korea to secure a spot in the round of 16.

Adding to the difficulties, Coach Bento was sent off during the second match against Ghana after protesting a referee's decision, meaning he will neither be able to sit on the bench nor attend the press conference for the Portugal match. Bento said, "My absence from the sidelines will not have a significant impact on the game," adding, "Decisions so far have been made as a team, so I believe this will not be a problem either."

Facing his homeland Portugal, Bento described them as "the strongest team in Portugal's history," but emphasized, "We must show our performance in our own style." He stressed, "We will do our best to push ourselves to the limit and overcome Portugal."

In a situation where team strength is more important than ever, the uncertain participation of defender Kim Minjae (26, Napoli) and forward Hwang Hee-chan (26, Wolverhampton) adds another variable.

Kim Minjae, who suffered a right calf injury in the match against Uruguay, missed training before the Ghana match to focus on recovery but ultimately played the full match. On the 1st, Kim participated in the final training session but only completed a light program focused on recovery. Hwang Hee-chan, who sustained a hamstring injury at his club before joining the national team, also trained ahead of the Portugal match while regaining fitness, but his participation has not yet been decided.

Coach Bento said, "No decision has been made yet. (Regarding Kim Minjae) we need to see how things go until tomorrow." About Hwang Hee-chan, he was cautious, saying, "He is training, but I cannot say for sure whether he will play against Portugal."