'Frustrating to be left waiting on other results'

Dismisses weather as 'an excuse'

South Korea defender Kim Min-jae battles for the ball during a match. [Getty Images]
South Korea defender Kim Min-jae battles for the ball during a match. [Getty Images]

South Korea defender Kim Min-jae apologized to fans after the team's loss to South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying "all I can say is I'm sorry" for failing to secure a result that would have guaranteed advancement.

Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's Group A match against South Africa, Kim said it was frustrating to be left waiting on other results. "We only needed a draw to advance to the round of 32, and not being able to get that means we're stuck calculating scenarios and waiting — that's what's frustrating," he said.

Kim said the players had already begun looking ahead. "We talked among ourselves about preparing well, because there may still be a chance to play another match — though it could go either way," he said.

Asked whether the heat and humidity in Monterrey had affected the result, Kim pushed back. "I think that would be an excuse," he said, adding that if another match comes, "we'll need to give everything we have, and I think we'll prepare well for that."

Kim was substituted in the second half for Park Jin-seop due to calf discomfort. "My calf wasn't feeling great, so I let the bench know. It's not a severe situation," he said.

South Korea's path to the round of 32 has become uncertain following the defeat. The picture is expected to become clearer on June 28.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com