South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu faced a difficult decision: representing his country at the World Cup or being present for the birth of his first child. The 35-year-old chose his national duty, missing the precious moment of his daughter's birth. Kim, who has played 86 matches for South Korea, expressed his regret but remains focused on achieving success for his country at the tournament.
Kim is expected to be a key player for South Korea in the World Cup, with the team set to face the Czech Republic, South Africa, and co-host Mexico in the group stage. Despite his advanced age for a footballer, Kim is determined to make this World Cup his best yet, viewing it as potentially his last opportunity on the global stage.
In a statement to reporters at the team's base camp in Mexico, Kim said, 'I couldn't be by my wife's side during the birth of our child, and I am truly sorry for that. I want to bring something amazing back home as a gift for her.' His club, FC Tokyo in Japan, and South Korean media are optimistic about his performance, with coach Hong Myung-bo likely to start him in the crucial matches.
