[Anchor]

Lee Ki-hyuk, who was a surprise call-up to the North and Central America World Cup national team and played a key role as a starting defender, has reflected on the tournament. As the first player from the team to sit down for an interview, he gave himself a score of only 60 to 70 out of 100, vowing to play with even more desperation for the future of Korean football.

Reporter Hong Seok-jun met with him.

[Reporter]

Before this World Cup, his experience in A-matches was limited to just one appearance four years ago.

Despite this, Lee Ki-hyuk delivered a surprise performance on the World Cup stage.

He held his own in aerial duels against the tall Czech squad, contributing to a comeback victory, and played full time in all three matches, showcasing diving defensive plays and a high pass completion rate.

However, because the team's journey ended too early in the group stage, he gave himself a score that was nearly a failing grade.

[Lee Ki-hyuk/National Football Team Defender: I think it’s about 60 to 70 points. I felt so regretful about my mistake in the second match and the goal we conceded in the first match, so I can't give myself a high score.]

He also learned a lot.

He grew day by day while playing alongside world-class players, such as defensive anchor Kim Min-jae and rising ace Lee Kang-in.

[Lee Ki-hyuk/National Football Team Defender: I always received a lot of feedback from Min-jae. He told me I need to watch a lot of videos of other players. As for Kang-in, he is so good that he is like an older brother to me; I personally thought of him as 'Kang-in hyung' (older brother Kang-in).]

He also opened his eyes to his own shortcomings.

[Lee Ki-hyuk/National Football Team Defender: I realized I need to build more strength in terms of my physical condition.]

With his World Cup performance serving as a stepping stone, he has been confirmed as a 'wild card' selection for the Asian Games this coming September. Reflecting on the areas where the World Cup team fell short, he gritted his teeth and promised to play for Korean football with even greater desperation in the future.

[Lee Ki-hyuk/National Football Team Defender: I believe desperation is everything, so I will continue to work hard and improve without end.]

(Video coverage: Yoo Dong-hyuk, Video editing: Park Ki-deok, Graphics: Kim Ye-ji)