Baek Seung-ho, Who Scored His 'World Cup Debut Goal,' Lowers His Head: "I Couldn't Contribute to the Victory"

Seung-ho Baek Scores a 'Priceless Consolation Goal' in 0-4 Match
"Though We Lost... Strong Belief Helped Us Reach Round of 16"

On the 6th (Korean time) at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar, the Round of 16 match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Brazil took place. In the second half, Baek Seung-ho scored a goal and is receiving congratulations from his teammates. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Baek Seung-ho (24, Jeonbuk Hyundai), who scored his debut goal in his World Cup debut match, expressed regret, saying, "I wish I could have contributed more to the victory."

On the 6th (Korean time), South Korea lost 1-4 to Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar.

Korea finished the first half trailing 0-4. Starting with Vinicius's opening goal in the 7th minute of the first half, goals by Neymar in the 11th minute, Richarlison in the 29th minute, and Paqueta in the 37th minute resulted in conceding four goals.

This is the first time in 68 years since 1954 that Korea has conceded four goals in the first half of a World Cup match. In the Switzerland tournament, Korea conceded five goals in the first half against Hungary in the first match (0-9 loss) and four goals in the first half against Turkey in the second match (0-7 loss).

Korea's challenge, having advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in 12 years since the 2010 South Africa World Cup, has come to an end.

However, Baek Seung-ho, who was brought on in the 20th minute of the second half, scored a precious consolation goal to finish on a high note. Coach Bento substituted Hwang In-beom for Baek Seung-ho, and at the 31st minute, during a free-kick situation, Baek Seung-ho caught the ball that bounced off the opposing defense and struck a left-footed mid-range shot that shook Brazil's net.

"Because the faith was strong, we reached the Round of 16"

After the match, Baek Seung-ho said in a broadcast interview, "I wish I could have contributed more to the victory," and added, "While on the bench, I tried to do my best if given the chance. I'm somewhat relieved that I could help the team even a little."

He said, "(Coach Bento) told me that since everyone was rushing, I should go in and show that I can stay as calm as possible. I tried to stay calm," adding, "I think I had a good experience because the opportunity came. I will work hard to show better performances in the future."

He also said, "We were in a tough group," and "Because the faith was strong, we reached the Round of 16." He continued, "Although we lost, I am satisfied that we were able to show everyone that we can achieve it through faith."