Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung: "The Brazil match was not easy, but the juniors fought well"

Jung-Hwan Ahn (left) and Ji-Sung Park. Photo by MBC, SBS

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] An Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung, commentators who led the 2002 World Cup semifinal miracle, encouraged the junior players after their defeat to Brazil in the Round of 16.

The South Korean national football team finished the 2022 Qatar World Cup Round of 16 match against Brazil with a 1-4 loss on the morning of the 6th (Korean time) at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

As the final whistle blew, the players sat down on the ground, showing their disappointment. Commentators An Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung, who were broadcasting the match on MBC and SBS respectively, offered encouragement and advice to the junior players.

Earlier, during the first half when they were trailing 0-4, commentator An Jung-hwan encouraged, "We must not collapse like this. We must not self-destruct due to our mistakes. It is too early to give up."

In the 31st minute of the second half, Baek Seung-ho (Jeonbuk) scored a consolation goal. After the match, An said, "The juniors fought well. The group stage was a tough process. It was difficult, and injuries made it hard to play normally, but they overcame the process." He added, "Brazil, honestly, was not easy."

Caster Kim Sung-joo said, "It was a time to confirm the gap with the world number one," adding, "If we continue to narrow the gap, we can look forward to the next World Cup." He continued, "Although advancing to the quarterfinals was unfortunately missed, it was the first time in 12 years since the South Africa World Cup that we reached the Round of 16."

Baek Seung-ho successfully makes a mid-range shot. Photo by Yonhap News

Also, commentator Park Ji-sung said, "It is amazing that the players followed coach Bento's football philosophy prepared over the past four years and showed it on the World Cup stage. They proved that the choice was right and received the reward they deserved."

He continued, "It is unfortunate that key players like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae were injured, but all players tried to show their skills and led the victory against Portugal," emphasizing, "I want to praise them."

Caster Bae Sung-jae added, "This experience will be a great nourishment and a significant milestone in the history of Korean football."

Commentator Lee Seung-woo said, "Although the result was a loss, I am really proud of our players. Thank you to the players who advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in 12 years and played until the end against the world's best Brazil." As a player, he pledged to participate in the next World Cup.

Former football players An Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung, who led the 2002 World Cup semifinal miracle, worked as commentators for MBC and SBS in this 2022 Qatar World Cup. They were praised for providing stable commentary based on their experience.

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