After losing 2-1 to Uruguay on Saturday, South Korea's World Cup team had difficulty keeping their chin up from their failure to reach the quarterfinals in South Africa, Yonhap News reported in Port Elizabeth.
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In its first round-of-16 match in away tournaments, South Korea put up a strong offense against Uruguay after conceding its first goal just eight minutes after the kickoff. The South Korean squad, Group B's runner-up, tied the game early in the second half but lost its second point with just 10 minutes left.
"There can only be regrets from a lost match. We could have won the game and the players also showed such potential," captain Park Ji-sung told reporters in a mixed-zone interview after the match.
The talismanic midfielder of Manchester United said he realized how "important defense is in becoming a strong team," but was satisfied in having reduced the gap in football level with world giants.
"It's regretful that the defensive line has little experience playing overseas," Park said.
Striker Lee Dong-gook, who was put into play for the second time in South Africa, appeared empty after having missed a golden opportunity to equalize the match near the end.
"After having waited for 12 years, (the World Cup journey) has ended in vain. This is not the result that I anticipated," said Lee, who missed the group stage matches due to a hamstring injury.
At age 19, the "Lion King" made the national squad for the France World Cup in 1998, but was dropped for the 2002 finals after failing to woo the heart of then coach Guus Hiddink. In 2006, Lee led the national team in the Asian qualifiers, but misfortune struck again with a knee injury right before the Germany World Cup finals.
"I shouldn't feel regretful but that's very hard. I'll need time to soothe my mind."
After the final whistle blew, defender Cha Du-ri fell to the ground and burst into tears.
"I cried wondering if I would be able to return to such a large event," the 30 year-old said. "I believe we can produce much better results four years from now, but I think this match could be the last for me."
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