Kim Min-jae and Others Depart for Spain Training Camp on the 11th
Wolverhampton Scores in World Cup for the First Time in 60 Years
Hwang Hee-chan of the national team, who secured victory in the third match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup against Portugal, advancing to the round of 16. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] After completing the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, Hwang Hee-chan returned to his club, English Premier League (EPL) team Wolverhampton, and began preparing for the remainder of the season. Wolverhampton warmly welcomed Hwang Hee-chan, who played a decisive role in South Korea's advancement to the Round of 16 in the World Cup.
On the 12th (Korean time), Wolverhampton posted on their official Twitter, "The World Cup hero has returned," along with a video of Hwang Hee-chan wearing training gear bearing the club's mark, stretching with his teammates. Team mate Daniel Podence (27) greeted Hwang Hee-chan by calling him "Korea's hero."
The World Cup hero has returned
Hwang Hee-chan giving an interview as he departs through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 10th to return to his team, Wolverhampton. Photo by Yonhap News
Hwang Hee-chan challenged his second World Cup in his career since the 2018 Russia World Cup. Before joining this World Cup, he suffered a hamstring injury in the back of his thigh and was unable to participate in the first and second group stage matches. On the 3rd, in the final third group stage match against Portugal, which determined advancement to the Round of 16, Hwang Hee-chan scored the winning goal in stoppage time with an assist from Son Heung-min. He was honored as the Player Of The Match for his decisive goal that day.
Thanks to Hwang Hee-chan's dramatic goal, South Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 and advanced to the Round of 16 as the second place in Group H. This marks the first time in 12 years since the 2010 South Africa World Cup that South Korea has reached the Round of 16.
On the 7th, Hwang Hee-chan returned to Korea with the national team, rested domestically, and on the 11th, after farewells from Kim Min-jae and others, departed for Marbella, Spain, where Wolverhampton is conducting pre-season training.
Hwang Hee-chan's goal also holds significance for Wolverhampton. He is the first Wolverhampton player to score in a World Cup in 60 years since Ron Flowers (England) in 1962.
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