Top Scorer and Key Player for Round of 16 Jo Gyu-seong: "It Feels Like a Miracle Happened"

"Originally not the type to cry much, but cries a lot"

On the afternoon of the 28th last month (local time), the Group H second match between South Korea and Ghana was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. Cho Gue-sung is cheering after scoring the opening goal followed by an equalizing header.

Jo Gyu-seong (24, Jeonbuk), a forward for the South Korean national soccer team, said about advancing to the Round of 16 in the World Cup, "It feels like a miracle has happened."

On the 3rd, South Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 in the third group stage match of Group H at the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

By beating Portugal, South Korea tied with Uruguay with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, earning 4 points and a goal difference of 0, but advanced to the Round of 16 with a superior goal count of 4-2.

Out of the 4 goals, 2 were scored solely by Jo Gyu-seong in the second match against Ghana.

In the World Cup group stage, if points are tied, rankings are determined by goal difference, then goals scored, and then head-to-head results.

If Uruguay, who won 2-0 against Ghana in the third match, had scored just one more goal, the Round of 16 spot in Group H would have gone to Uruguay.

Although Jo Gyu-seong did not score in this match, he actively engaged in aerial duels and physical battles, contributing to the 2-1 comeback victory.

After the match, Jo Gyu-seong said in a broadcast interview, "It really feels like a miracle has happened," and expressed gratitude, saying, "Not only the players but also the players and coaching staff who encouraged us from outside, thank you all."

Jo Gyu-seong said, "We prepared with one united heart to beat Portugal, and our dream came true."

He added, "I came out with the determination not to be outmatched by the opponent," and said, "Not only me but also the older players played with the same mindset, which led to this result."

Regarding the scene where all the players performed sliding celebrations after securing advancement to the Round of 16, reminiscent of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, he said, "I usually don't cry much, but today I cried a lot," and added, "When (Hwang) Hee-chan scored, emotions overwhelmed me, and I couldn't believe it."

He said, "Thanks to everyone who believed in us and cheered until the end, we achieved the result of reaching the Round of 16," and added, "I am truly grateful, and if you continue to support us, we will show even better results on the field."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.