"98 A matches" Lee Jae-sung said, "The last World Cup for me... I hope it will be a success."
"98 A matches" Lee Jae-sung said, "The last World Cup for me... I hope it will be a success."
Blog Article
"I also know that it will be my last World Cup as a player. That is why I think I will prepare more importantly and with gratitude. Rather than personal goals, I want to achieve a successful conclusion in the national team so that I can bring joy to the people through the World Cup." Lee Jae-sung wanted to decorate the World Cup beautifully, which could be his last career.
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, defeated Kuwait 4-0 in the 10th Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Korea and the U.S. at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 10th. With this, South Korea recorded six wins and four draws, recording an unbeaten streak in the third World Cup qualifying round and finishing first in the group.
South Korea, where a large number of young resources started on the day, overwhelmed Kuwait throughout. In the 30th minute of the first half, Hwang In-beom led the way with an own goal induced by a corner kick. Later, in the 6th minute of the second half and the 9th minute of the second half, Bae Joon-ho made 2 assists, and Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyun-kyu scored additional goals in a row.
Lee Jae-sung, who started from the bench, scored his fourth goal. As soon as he was substituted with Jeon Jin-woo in the 24th minute of the second half, he shook the net with a powerful shot as soon as the ball was caught in the foot after the chaotic situation in the box in the third minute. Since then, head coach Hong Myung-bo has deployed Son Heung-min, Yang Hyun-joon and Hwang Hee-chan to experiment with tactical changes, ending the final match with a 4-0 victory.
Lee Jae-sung, who met at the mixed zone after the match, said, "It was a very meaningful match for the national team to be able to experience the final qualifying round. Also, the biggest achievement was that young players gained confidence to play in the national team through this match. It was a final qualifying round that I was very grateful to be able to finish well."
Lee Jae-seong, who was born in 1992, has dedicated himself to wearing the national flag for 11 years since his A-match debut in 2014. Receiving the position as vice-captain of the national team, Lee played with the captain's armband in the last match against Iraq due to the unstable condition of his friend and captain Son Heung-min, and scored his 15th A-match goal on the day, sealing his landslide victory. With 98 A-match games, Lee has become a veteran player with only two games left before joining the Century Club.
In fact, this World Cup could be his last competition in his career. "I know it will be my last World Cup as a player," Lee said. "That's why I think I will prepare more importantly and appreciate it. Rather than my personal goal, I want to achieve a successful ending in the national team so that I can give joy to the people through the World Cup," he said.
[National midfielder Lee Jae Sung's interview]
-How do you feel about the game
It was a very meaningful game for the national team to be able to experience the final qualifying round. In addition, the biggest achievement was that young players gained confidence to play in the national team through this game. It was a final qualifying round that I was very grateful to be able to finish well.
-There was some confusion during the World Cup qualifying process
I played the final qualifying round for the third time. I always thought there would be difficulties, but I think this qualifying round was the most difficult. Nevertheless, I achieved my goal in the end. I'm very happy that the hard work I've done for the national team for a season has resulted in results. I'm in the 11th World Cup, but I don't think it's natural. I hope the fans cheer for the players. I want to get good attention. I think the remaining year is more important. Now, we have to develop into a competitive team in the process of going to the World Cup. In that sense, today's game was very important.
-What should I prepare for a year
Due to the circumstances of the national team, we cannot continue to gather and prepare. We need to maintain good performance in our team as well. Only then can we become a competitive team. We will be able to show good performance in the World Cup only when we continue to play and improve our team's performance.
-I'm going to play in the European competition next season
I'm happy, but I think next season will be the busiest year. I think I need to prepare more. In many ways, I think it will be a season where we have to be more restrained in areas outside of soccer and move toward bigger goals.
-After the Iraq match, he said that all the players, including himself, would not be able to play in the World Cup
Of course, it applies to me and to everyone. In 2018 and 2022, all the players who were with me in the final qualifying round couldn't go. I hope the players here are well aware of that. They don't know which players will come again and are open to everyone. Everyone doesn't take it for granted, and I think that only when they do their best in their respective positions will they become a competitive team.
-Even though I'm not old enough, I keep getting better
I think the secret to loving and liking soccer is that it doesn't cool down continuously. I keep wanting to play soccer longer. I keep thinking about soccer, too. I think the strength to give up a lot of things for soccer is the secret. Also, just being able to continue with such good players gives me motivation. I want to continue enjoying these moments without regretting the rest of the time.
-It could be the last World Cup
I am also aware that it will be my last World Cup as a player. That is why I think I will prepare more importantly and with gratitude. Rather than personal goals, I want to achieve a successful conclusion in the national team that can give joy to the people through the World Cup
-Based on my successful experience in the last competition, what's the most important thing in a year 안전놀이터
When head coach Paulo Bento was there, I was able to enjoy a happy moment in the World Cup while preparing for four years together. It's not enough time compared to then, but the World Cup can be a happy or really hard time depending on how well we prepare for a year as a team and tactically. I hope we can match each other well during the preparation time and find more detail