Kang Min-woo (Hyundai High School) of the Republic of Korea U-17 national team expressed his determination to overcome trials and grow.
The Korean U-17 national team, led by coach Byun Seong-hwan, lost 0-3 to Japan in the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Asian Cup final held at Pathum Thani Stadium in Thailand on the 2nd (Korean time).
Korea, which challenged to reach the top of the U-17 Asian Cup for the first time in 21 years, promised the following. Although they failed to win the championship, Korea, which made it to the semifinals in this tournament, will go to the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in Indonesia in November.
The match generated a lot of controversy. In particular, the Thailand referee’s unclear decision and misjudgment influenced the flow of the game. At the end of the first half, Ko Jong-hyeon (Maetango) was sent off after receiving a second warning due to an ambiguous decision. At this time, a free kick conceded for a foul led to the opening goal conceded in the final. The location of the free kick was not clearly specified, so the kick was taken closer than the location of the foul.
In the 38th minute of the second half, Kim Myeong-jun (Pocheol High School) tripped over the goalkeeper’s hand in the penalty box and fell, but the referee’s whistle was not blown. Rather, a warning was given to director Byeon, who protested against the decision.
After the game, Kang Min-woo looked back and said, “It was a game I really wanted to win and had to win, but it was a pity that we lost 0-3.” He showed a determined appearance, saying, “There were many variables, but I thought it was part of the game and I will forget about losing because it was a loss and prepare well for the World Cup.”메이저도메인
Kang Min-woo was in charge of the national team’s defensive line during the tournament and played in all 6 games. He said, “As a defender, it is very unfortunate that I gave up 7 runs in 6 games,” and “This part must be corrected through training.”
Lastly, Kang Min-woo expressed his strong determination, saying, “I will make up for my shortcomings while maintaining the team play style as I have been preparing for.”