Korea no match for rampant Brazil

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‘We are the Dreamers’ by Jung Kook of BTS fame is the official anthem of this World Cup, played on repeat across the city and across television broadcasts around the world. The dream is over for his South Korea, however, after they were humbled 4-1 by a rampant Brazil at Stadium 974 on Monday night.

Looking to match the feat of their 2002 heroes, who eclipsed Italy en route to an historic semi-final appearance, Korea were never in the contest as three goals inside the opening half hour all but ended the contest.

Brazil showed why they are fancied by many to go all the way, producing a scintillating display of football that would have beaten most teams in the world, Korea just happened to be the opponent in their way today.

Neymar, Richarlison and Vinicius Junior all got their name on the scoresheet in the first half as the star-studded Brazilians did as they pleased, with the Koreans helpless to stop the bleeding.

With the contest done and dusted by half time, Paulo Bento, who confirmed after the match he would not continue coaching the national team, opted to give his fringe players a taste of World Cup football.

One of those, Paik Seung-ho, scored a stunning consolation goal to at least give some respectability to the scoreline, but it was nothing more than consolation.

Korea finished the game with six shots on target to Brazil’s nine, so they weren’t without their opportunities, but they simply came up against a side that is ranked number one in the world for a reason.

With Bento confirming his departure post-game, the loss represents the end of the Bento era with the question now turning to who replaces the Portuguese and which direction Korean football now takes.

With Son Heung-min no guarantee to continue through until the next World Cup, and with rising stars like Lee Kang-in ready to take the mantle forward, Korean football needs to decide what they want the future national team to look like.

As for this tournament, just one win from four is another disappointing return for a nation that is capable of much better and continues Korea’s lean World Cup record since making the semi-finals on home soil in 2002.

Injuries hampered their campaign, with Hwang Hee-chan sidelined for the opening two games and Kim Min-jae playing hampered after picking up an injury in the opening. Then, of course, there was the injury Son sustained playing for Tottenham before the World Cup.

The emergence of Lee Kang-in as a player capable of delivering on the biggest stage is a very pleasing development given Bento’s reluctance to play him in the 18 months previous.

Defensively the team needs work, however. That much seems obvious when the team ships eight goals in four games. Kim Min-jae, while perhaps not at his best this World Cup, is the defensive lynchpin of the side but both fullbacks were caught out time and again in their defensive duties, so that is an area the new coach will need to address when he takes charge.

The first test for the new coach will come back in Qatar at the Asian Cup in just over 12 months’ time; a tournament they were hoping would be on home soil. Having not won the Asian Cup since 1960, they have, on paper at least, a squad capable of challenging for the title.

But a lot will be determined by the coaching appointment and the direction Korean football decides to take over the next 12 months.

WHAT THEY SAID

Paulo Bento – South Korea coach

“We just have to think about the future and it will not be with the national team of South Korea.

“I have just announced to the players and to the president of the South Korean federation and this was a decision I had already taken since September that was set in stone.

“Today I have confirmed it and I have to thank them for everything they have done. They have given their very best and I have been very pleased and proud to have been their manager.”

Son Heung-min- South Korea captain

“I never once had any doubt about the style of football he pursued.

“A lot of people had reservations about it, but they all cheered for us when we played well at the World Cup here. We were able to execute things we’d worked on for the last four years.

“It’s really sad to see him go, but I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Hwang In-beom – South Korea midfielder

“I am so thankful. He’s the reason why I’ve become the player that I am today.

“I know people often questioned his decision to play me. They wondered if he had some sort of special connection with me. But he always believed in me. All thanks to him, I could start dreaming bigger dreams.”

Photo: twitter/thekfa

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