Opposition Manager Stunned: The 'Father's Strength' Behind Kim Seung-gyu's Heroics

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Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, the eldest member of our national team, was also an undeniable hero in today's victory. His two crucial saves in the final moments were truly breathtaking. Kim smiled brightly, dedicating his stellar performance to his newborn daughter.

Reporter Ha Sung-ryong has the story.

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Kim Seung-gyu, who has appeared in every World Cup since the 2014 Brazil tournament, faced the biggest crisis of his football career two years ago.

During the Asian Cup, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, and shortly after returning, he injured the same area again, forcing him to undergo surgery twice in a single year.

His return to the pitch seemed uncertain, but he did not give up.

After a long rehabilitation, he was called back to the national team in September of last year, proved his competitiveness, and reached his fourth World Cup stage.

[Kim Seung-gyu/National Football Team Goalkeeper: Until a year ago, I was worried about whether I would ever be able to play football again. I think this is a gift I received for enduring those difficult times well.]

And the 35-year-old veteran stood firm as the backbone for his younger teammates.

Although he conceded the opening goal in the 14th minute of the second half due to the Czech Republic's aerial dominance, he did not let it happen again.

After the team turned the game around to lead 2-1, he used animal-like reflexes to block Hlozek's left-footed shot in the 37th minute of the second half, and in stoppage time, he stretched out his hand to catch Sadilek's sharp shot, drawing gasps from the crowd.

[Koubek/Czech Republic National Team Manager: I don't know how the Korean goalkeeper was able to save that shot from such close range.]

Kim Seung-gyu, who secured the victory with his decisive saves, brought joy to the Hong Myung-bo squad and despair to the Czech Republic.

[Kim Seung-gyu/National Football Team Goalkeeper: Rather than the saves themselves, I am happy that I was able to be of some help to the team.]

Kim, who approached the Czech match thinking of his daughter born during the pre-tournament camp in the United States, said:

[Kim Seung-gyu/National Football Team Goalkeeper: I had a video call with my daughter, and surprisingly, she opened her eyes wide and made a lot of eye contact with me today. So, I think that gave me a lot of strength.]

He is determined to soar high once again with the 'power of a father' in the upcoming match against Mexico.

(Video reporting: Hwang In-seok, Video editing: Kim Jong-tae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.