Hwang Hee-chan hoping to create more memorable moments in Mexico

Hwang Hee-chan listens to a reporter's question before a training session for the FIFA World Cup at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Mexico, Monday(local time). Yonhap

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — By scoring the last-gasp goal that helped send South Korea into the knockouts at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Hwang Hee-chan etched himself into the national sports lore.

Back for his third straight World Cup this summer in Mexico, the midfielder wants to create even more memorable moments.

"Obviously, if we can have another play like that, it will be great for myself and for our team," Hwang said before a training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, on Monday -- three days before South Korea's first Group A match against Czechia. "I am working hard for a moment like that. I will try to show one in every match."

Hwang's stoppage-time goal, assisted by Son Heung-min in a counter break, helped South Korea beat Portugal 2-1 in their final Group H match in 2022. The result, combined with Uruguay's 2-0 win over Ghana in a match that ended a few minutes later, lifted South Korea into the round of 16. Even with the win over Portugal, South Korea would have been eliminated had Ghana won their finale.

It was just the second time that South Korea reached the knockout phase at an away World Cup. Hwang will now look to make it a third time this year, as he joins his two close friends, defender Kim Min-jae and midfielder Hwang In-beom.

"This is going to be a special World Cup for everyone, not just the three of us," Hwang said of the 1996 births. "I think we are the bridge between veterans and younger guys. We want to make sure young players feel comfortable and get along with some older players."

Hwang is coming off a dismal Premier League season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club finished dead last in the Premier League to be relegated to the second division for next season, and Hwang was limited to just three goals in 31 matches in all competitions.

Hwang is among the highly paid players expected to switch clubs this summer, and a strong showing at the World Cup may help raise his stock after a down season.

To that end, Hwang said he wants to help South Korea get off on the right foot.

"Every match is important, but the first match is especially so," Hwang said. "Physically, I feel good. I am not here to play well just for my own transfer. Whenever I am with the national team, I always put the team first."