'Monster' Kim Min-jae Also Admits "Brazil, the Strongest Opponent Ever"

"Lost Due to Lack of Skill"
"Such a Squad Is Hard to Find"

On the 24th (local time), Kim Min-jae playing in the first match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Kim Min-jae, a defender of the South Korean national football team, accepted the skill gap after the round of 16 match against Brazil and evaluated the cause of the defeat as "losing because of lack of skill."

On the 6th (Korean time), South Korea conceded 4 goals in the first half against Brazil in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup round of 16 match held in Doha, Qatar. Although Baek Seung-ho scored one goal in the second half, they ultimately lost 1-4.

After the match, Kim Min-jae said, "Honestly, there was a big difference in individual ability," and added, "The opponent is the world's number one and a very good team, so we have to accept the defeat, and we lost because of lack of skill."

Regarding conceding 4 goals to Brazil, he said, "Honestly, they are a very aggressive team, so it was difficult," and lamented, "Since players with outstanding individual skills are gathered in one team, I could only sigh."

About Neymar, who scored the second goal, he said, "Honestly, I don't think he was at 100%, but all I can say is that he is good," expressing amazement.

He also evaluated, "Among the teams I have faced so far, this is the best team," and added, "All 11 players are world-class, and it is hard to find a team with such a squad even in the Italian league or the European Champions League."

Kim Min-jae, who missed the third group stage match against Portugal due to a calf muscle injury, said, "The pain is just a little," and when asked if he played through the pain, he replied, "You could say that."

Regarding Paulo Bento, the coach who is stepping down after this tournament, he said, "All the players trusted him, and although it is regrettable to end at the round of 16, I think the preparation was well done."

When asked about his impressions after finishing his first World Cup, Kim Min-jae said, "Every match was not easy," and added, "I will find points to improve so that I don't make mistakes in the future, and I will continue to do well in the parts I did well. It will be an opportunity to develop further."