'Round of 16 in 12 Years' for Bento Team... Son Heung-min "Happy to Return with Good Results"

"Homecoming Amid Welcoming Crowds on the 7th"
Bento: "Round of 16 Possible Thanks to the Support and Cheers of the People"

The soccer national team, which advanced to the round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup, returned home through Incheon Airport on the 7th. Son Heung-min is expressing his gratitude to the fans who came to welcome them. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] The Taeguk Warriors, who achieved the milestone of advancing to the Round of 16 in the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, returned home with smiles.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Paulo Bento, arrived at Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 7th. The 23 players, including 'Captain' Son Heung-min (Tottenham), and the coaching staff led by Paulo Bento arrived in Korea around 4:40 PM on two separate flights. Kim Seung-gyu (Al Shabab) and Jung Woo-young (Al Sadd), who belong to Middle Eastern clubs, and Jung Woo-young (Freiburg) from the German league, did not return home but went directly back to their clubs in Qatar.

Despite significant setbacks to their lineup due to injuries to Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), Bento's team achieved their goal of reaching the Round of 16.

In the group stage, Bento's team drew 0-0 against South American powerhouse Uruguay in the first match, lost 2-3 to Ghana in the second, but secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Portugal in the final match to advance to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, they faced the 'strongest' Brazil in the Round of 16 and were defeated 1-4, postponing their goal of reaching the quarterfinals to the next opportunity.

Coach Bento said, "Thank you for coming out to welcome us at the airport. I am happy and honored. I have been with the national team for a little over four years, and I appreciate the fans' support." He added, "It was the support and encouragement of the people that made reaching the Round of 16 possible. I express my gratitude on behalf of the players."

Bento, who decided not to renew his contract with the Korea Football Association, plans to settle his affairs and return to Portugal for a short rest.

The Taeguk Warriors will return to their respective clubs and will be called up again on March 20 next year to start a new challenge with a new coach.

Son Heung-min said, "Thanks to everyone, I was able to play well in the World Cup and am happy to return with good results. Thank you for making us happy." He emphasized, "This is not the end of Korean football. We will strive to become a team that can move forward. We will be a team that runs forward without looking back."

The national team is scheduled to have dinner with President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife on the 8th.