Veteran goalkeeper wants to dedicate victories to newborn daughter
Kim Seung-gyu, goalkeeper for the Korean men's national football team, speaks at a press conference before a training session for the FIFA World Cup at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Mexico, Sunday (local time). Yonhap
Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu became a father last week while training for his fourth and likely final FIFA World Cup. He felt bad about not being around his wife for the big moment, and he knows there's only one way to make up for it.
"I am really sorry that I couldn't be with my wife for the birth, and I want to bring home good results from here as my presents," Kim said Sunday before a training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara.
Kim appears to be the favorite to be the first-choice keeper for head coach Hong Myung-bo. Kim and Jo Hyeon-woo have been battling for that role for years. Kim, who made his World Cup debut in 2014 by playing in the final group stage match, was the backup to Jo at the 2018 tournament. Then four years later, Kim was the No. 1 custodian ahead of Jo.
That Kim was brought to the press conference four days before Korea's first match against Czechia led many to believe he has beaten Jo for the starting gig at this year's tournament.
"We've all been able to get better through our competition. And we've been in great form," Kim said of his rivalry with Jo. "I think either of us can really help the team."
Kim, 35, is a better kicker than Jo and can serve as an extra playmaker from the back by distributing the ball safely to defenders or even midfielders. Jo has built his career on his quick reflexes, though the 34-year-old is not as agile as he once was.
This could be the last World Cup for both veteran keepers, with Kim about to join captain Son Heung-min as a four-time participant this week.
"I've played at every World Cup thinking it could be my last," Kim said. "Given my age now, this one really does feel like my final one.
"I am just as excited about my fourth World Cup as I was about my first one," Kim added. "The first match will set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and so there will be some pressure. I will try to stay calm and just do what I can do."
Kim said he will have to be extra careful with Czechia's lanky forwards in crosses and set pieces.
"A goalkeeper cannot afford to just stay in goal," Kim said. "My job is to be aggressive in going after the ball in the air and help out my defenders."
Kim also took a moment to reflect on his friendship with Son, who has been with the goalkeeper at each of the past three World Cups.
"I don't know if this will be Heung-min's last one, but he has been my biggest source of strength over the years," Kim said. "I think he's shouldering such a heavy burden as our captain. I will try to help him out any way I can, and hopefully, this will be our most memorable World Cup together."