Korean midfielder risks injury against Brazil
Kim missed the 2-1 win against Portugal on December 2 because of a calf injury. He could only return to light training with his teammates on the morning of Sunday, December 4, the day before Korea met Brazil in the 1/8 round.
Kim said he regretted not being able to play against Portugal, as his injury did not allow him to play to his full potential. "But I will do everything to fight Brazil," Goal quoted him as saying. "I am ready to play despite the risk of more serious injury."
Kim said he has suffered from pain in his right calf since his opening match against Uruguay on November 24. He had to endure the pain of kicking with Ghana four days later, then couldn't take it anymore and stopped training with the team. He only works out in the gym, on the treadmill to maintain his fitness. On the morning of December 4, he appeared on the pitch even though he only practiced with a fitness expert.
South Korean newspaper Yonhap reported that coach Paulo Bento gave the team a break from practice on Saturday, December 3, to recover from the match against Portugal. They will also not prepare too much tactically against Brazil, but only focus on regaining fitness. In the next match, Bento will return to lead Korea after a match banned from directing and having to sit in the stands.
Kim is the best defender in Korea, when in front of this team are attacking stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphina, Richarlison or maybe even Neymar. South Korea is aiming for the second time in its history to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, after 2002.
The 26-year-old midfielder is the first Korean to win the "Player of the Month" award in Serie A, for his performance in September 2022 with Napoli. He was an important factor helping this club to top Serie A after 15 rounds, with eight points more than second place Milan.
South Korea played seven matches against Brazil, all friendly. They won one and lost six matches, with the only victory on March 28, 1999 at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, with a single goal from Kim Do-hoon.
