Baek Seung-ho's Consolation Goal Not Enough as South Korea Falls 4-1 to Brazil
Son Heung-min: "My Injury Is Okay... Proud of Our Players"
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. National team player Son Heung-min is greeting the stands after the match. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] The South Korean national football team, led by coach Paulo Bento (Portugal), suffered a 1-4 defeat against Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup held at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, on the 6th (Korean time). The team, challenging for their first-ever away World Cup quarterfinal, bowed to the world's strongest Brazil.
The South Korean national football team was completely defeated by Brazil. The team conceded the opening goal to Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) just 7 minutes into the first half, and 6 minutes later, Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) scored a penalty kick. Then, at the 29th minute of the first half, Richarlison (Tottenham) scored, followed by Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) at the 36th minute. South Korea, trailing by 4 goals in the first half, narrowed the gap with a consolation goal by Baek Seung-ho in the 31st minute of the second half but could not overcome the skill gap against the world No. 1 Brazil.
The South Korean national team players are greeting their fans after the round of 16 match against Brazil. Photo by Yonhap News
"There is no doubt about the dedication and effort"
Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham), captain of the Bento team, lowered his head in disappointment. After the match, Son said, "I feel sorry to the fans who cheered for us," adding, "We also did our best, but it seems like it was a very difficult match." He added, "Still, all the players fought proudly to get this far, and there is no doubt about their dedication and effort."
Son Heung-min, who showed fighting spirit wearing a mask due to a facial injury before the World Cup started, said, "I can only apologize for not meeting the expectations of those who cheered for us," adding, "But the players and staff really did their best to prepare for this match, so I hope you understand."
When asked if the pain worsened from playing while wearing the mask, he replied, "Compared to the hardships the players went through, it is nothing, so I am okay."
After scoring a goal in the second half of the round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil, Baek Seung-ho is roaring. Photo by Yonhap News
"This is not the end"
Son Heung-min reached the Round of 16 for the first time in his third World Cup appearance. Regarding the younger players who showed good performances in this tournament such as Lee Kang-in, Baek Seung-ho, and Cho Gyu-sung, Son said, "They need to keep performing well consistently and feel a sense of responsibility going forward," adding, "I am proud that they could showcase their skills on the World Cup stage under their own names, and I hope this is not the end but that they become even better players."
He said, "I was impressed by all the players who played and those who did not. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the players," adding, "Also, I thank the fans who gave us so much support and allowed us to have experiences we never had before. We will strive to show further improvement with the players. Please continue to support us."
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