Baek Seung-ho "Started Playing Soccer After Watching the 2002 World Cup" Overwhelming Emotions... Scored in Debut Match

First Goal in Brazil Match... "Glad to Help the Team, That's a Relief" Reaction

The Round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil at the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar. In the second half, Baek Seung-ho is roaring after scoring a goal.

Baek Seung-ho (25, Jeonbuk), who scored his first World Cup goal in his debut match, which was also the last game of the Qatar World Cup, said, "I started playing football after watching the 2002 World Cup, and exactly 20 years later, I made my debut."

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Paulo Bento (Portugal), lost 1-4 after conceding four goals in the first half against Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, held on the morning of the 6th (Korean time) at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Baek Seung-ho made his first World Cup appearance by coming on in the 20th minute of the second half, replacing Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos).

The consolation goal in the second half, which preserved the pride of Bento's team, came from Baek Seung-ho's foot.

In the 31st minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) took a free kick from the opponent's left side, which the Brazilian defense headed away, but the ball went to Baek Seung-ho, who was in front of the penalty arc.

Baek Seung-ho controlled the ball with his left foot and then shot with his left foot, placing it into the right side of the Brazilian goal.

After the match, Baek Seung-ho told reporters, "(The past 20 years of) difficult times flashed through my mind. I also felt grateful to my parents," sharing his debut impressions.

He continued, "I told myself to shoot confidently if the opportunity came, and luckily the ball fell right in front of me," adding, "It curved and luckily went in. I am just full of gratitude."

He said, "It would have been better if I had contributed to a victory," and added, "While on the bench, I tried to do my best if given a chance. I am at least relieved that I could help the team a little."

He also said, "This is an unforgettable day in my life and will be a turning point," and "This is not the end. I have a strong desire to show further development."

For Baek Seung-ho, who just stepped onto the stage with the world's football powerhouses, the wall of Brazil, ranked number one by FIFA, felt very high.

Baek Seung-ho said, "I knew they were one of the best teams in the world," and "I entered thinking to stay as calm as possible."

He said, "The football is round. You can't know the result before the game," and "I will develop further. I want to show hope that I can perform as before."

Additionally, Baek Seung-ho emphasized the importance of a 'clear philosophy' even after coach Bento.

Coach Bento announced after the match that he would not renew his contract with the Korea Football Association.

Baek Seung-ho said, "If we prepare well for four years with our own color and one philosophy, there are many good players playing in good teams, so we can achieve good results."