The Korean national soccer team, which is aiming to win its first championship in 64 years, is in a state of emergency. Kim Seung-gyu (Al-Shabab), the main goalkeeper, was sidelined at the Asian Cup of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) due to a ruptured cruciate ligament. The Korea Football Association (KFA) said, “I ruptured cruciate ligament in my right knee during an in-house game on the previous day. The MRI result came out last night. I will return home early after being called off.”랭크카지노도메인
Kim Seung-gyu is a “veteran” with stable foot skills and good defense. He has played in 81 A-matches since 2013, with the national flag bearer since 2013. Having established his position under former coach Paulo Bento, Kim is also a fixture under coach Klinsmann, who took the helm in February last year. He also started full-time against Bahrain on May 15, and contributed to his team’s 3-1 victory by stably managing the game.
Coach Klinsmann also expressed regret over Kim’s departure. “It’s really sad. Kim Seung-gyu is our number one goalkeeper, and he has been doing so well all year round. Injuries are a part of soccer. Any injury can happen in a tournament. We need to find a solution.”
Now all eyes are on Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan HD) and Song Bum-keun (Shonan Belmare) who remain in the team due to Kim’s departure. The two were called up as regulars under the Klinsmann regime, but they had few playing records. Cho last played in games against Uruguay (1-2) in March last year and Vietnam (6-0) in September last year. Song never played in the game.
Asked if Cho is the second goalkeeper, Klinsmann said, “Cho Hyun-woo has experienced the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He is the best goalkeeper. I am sad that Kim Seung-gyu got hurt, but I am fortunate to have Cho Hyun-woo,” adding, “Any player could get injured or be warned. It is a part of soccer. He has also displayed as good performance as Kim Seung-gyu.” He did not give a definite answer that he would start.
In the last training session before the game, Cho Hyun-woo and Song Bum-keun warmed up, except for Kim Seung-gyu. They prepared for the second Group E match against Jordan on the 20th with coach Andreas Herzog and goalkeeper coach Andreas Köfke.
Meanwhile, Kim Seung-gyu plans to confirm his return to Korea soon. “Since his family is in Qatar, the itinerary for his return to Korea will be determined later,” the KFA said.