The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Klinsmann, drew 3-3 in the third Group E match of the Asian Football Confederation Qatar Asian Cup 2023 against Malaysia at Al-Zanub Stadium in Al-Wakra, Qatar on the 25th (Korea time).
It was a disappointing game. Korea led the game with Jung Woo-young's first goal, but gave up the equalizer and the come-from-behind goal one after another within 10 minutes in the second half. Fortunately, Lee Kang-in's own goal following a free kick and Son Heung-min's penalty kick (PK) turned the game around, but gave up a theater goal at the end of extra time.
Striker Cho Kyu-sung, who has always been a member of the Clinsman team, was also listed on the starting lineup on the same day. Cho has bowed his head, missing out on scoring chances in succession in the past two group matches. Notably, in the second match against Jordan, Cho was heavily criticized when he handed over an empty goal.
Still, Clinton`s coach expressed faith in Cho by deploying Cho. Moreover, the day of the match is a day when Cho can celebrate his birthday.
However, Cho Gyu-seong left a regret again this time. After just seven minutes in the first half, Cho had a chance to score.
A free kick was declared in the Korean camp and Kim Min-jae connected to penetrating Cho Kyu-sung at once. Cho Kyu-sung's ball was connected long with an inaccurate touch in a one-on-one chance and eventually failed to lead to a shot.
He connected a cross from the left side with his head at the end of the first half, but the goalkeeper blocked it, and the following cross also failed to reach the tip of his foot. Cho failed to open the goal in the end, and was replaced by Oh at the 17th minute of the second half when Korea was upset 1-2.
Cho Kyu-sung, who met with reporters after the game, said, “I'm not satisfied with the 3-3 result and I'm sorry that I didn't score.”
“I don't care. I don't have any physical or psychological problems,” Cho said in response to criticism from Cho. “I just can't score a goal. A striker would naturally feel pressure to score, but I don't play with that in mind. I'm just going to score a goal today and I'm preparing to help the team.”
Cho also expressed his commitment to the “Tournament” stage. “I have to go home as I lost. If I play, I want to help my team by scoring goals. I also talked with my players about having positive thoughts,” Cho said.
