Opposing Manager Stunned by 'Father's Strength': Kim Seung-gyu's Heroics

[Anchor]

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, the eldest member of our national team, was also an indispensable hero in this victory. His two crucial saves in the final moments were truly breathtaking. Kim smiled brightly, saying his performance was a gift dedicated to his newborn daughter.

Reporter Ha Seong-ryong has the story.

[Reporter]

Kim Seung-gyu, who has participated in every World Cup since the 2014 Brazil tournament, faced the biggest crisis of his football career two years ago.

He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the Asian Cup, and after injuring the same area again shortly after his return, he had to undergo surgery twice in a single year.

His return to the pitch seemed uncertain, but he did not give up.

After a long rehabilitation, he was called back to the national team last September. He proved his competitiveness and reached his fourth World Cup stage.

[Kim Seung-gyu/National Football Team Goalkeeper: Just a year ago, I was worried about whether I would ever be able to play football again. I think this is a gift I received for enduring those difficult times well.]

And the 35-year-old veteran stood firm, protecting his younger teammates from behind.

Although he conceded the opening goal in the 14th minute of the second half due to the Czech Republic's aerial dominance, he did not let it happen again.

In the 37th minute of the second half, after the team turned the game around to 2-1, he blocked Hložek's left-footed shot with animal-like reflexes. In stoppage time, he stretched out his hand to catch Sadílek's sharp shot, drawing gasps from the crowd.

[Koubek/Czech Republic National Team Manager: I don't know how the Korean goalkeeper was able to stop that shot from such a close range.]

Kim Seung-gyu, who secured the victory with his decisive saves, brought joy to the Hong Myung-bo squad and despair to the Czech Republic.

[Kim Seung-gyu/National Football Team Goalkeeper: Rather than the saves themselves, I am happy that I was able to be of some help to the team.]

Kim, who faced the Czech Republic with thoughts of his daughter, who was born during the pre-tournament camp in the United States, said:

[Kim Seung-gyu/National Football Team Goalkeeper: I had a video call with my daughter, and surprisingly, she opened her eyes properly and made a lot of eye contact with me today. So, I think I gained a lot of strength from that.]

He is now determined to soar high once again with the 'power of a father' in the upcoming match against Mexico.

(Video coverage: Hwang In-seok, Video editing: Kim Jong-tae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.