‘Monster defender’ Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) made a spectacular return to the national team.
The Korean men’s soccer team, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, drew 0-0 with Wales in a friendly friendly held at Cardiff City Stadium in Wales, England, on the 8th (Korean time).
Coach Klinsmann, who had previously suffered a draw in 4 international matches (2 draws, 2 losses), and whose public opinion had rapidly deteriorated due to the controversy over working from home, was in dire need of a turnaround, but was unable to achieve victory this time as well.
The only consolation is that the national team succeeded in keeping a clean sheet for the first time since Coach Klinsmann took office, and Kim Min-jae was at the center of it.
Kim Min-jae, who started as a central defender, teamed up with Jeong Seung-hyeon (Ulsan Hyundai) instead of his existing partner Kim Young-kwon and led a scoreless defense.
Kim Min-jae blocked the opponent’s offensive with fast speed and strong pressure. Even against Wales’ tall attackers, he was not pushed back from his height and dominated the air superiority, leaving no room for gaps. The national team, which found stability in defense with the return of Kim Min-jae, finally succeeded in not conceding a goal for the first time in five games.메이저놀이터
In particular, the scene where Son Heung-min overpowered his teammate Brennan Johnson (Tottenham) with a physical fight in the 32nd minute of the first half was a highlight. Johnson, who was competing with Kim Min-jae for the ball, was pushed out of the shoulder fight and fell to the ground.
He contributed not only in defense but also in attack. He delivered the ball accurately from the back to the front through a long kick, contributing to the national team’s attack. Although he was ruled offside twice, he delivered an elaborate pass to Son Heung-min, who was moving to find space.
With the return of Kim Min-jae, who announced his health, the national team has found stability in offense and defense, and expectations for the upcoming friendly match against Saudi Arabia are also growing.
Kim Min-jae, who returned to the national team through the international match against Wales in September, is entering following Son Heung-min. ⓒ Korea Football Association
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae caused a shock by making a statement suggesting retirement from the national team immediately after playing the two-game A match held in Korea last March.
The national team was turned upside down by his shocking remarks, even though he was only 27 years old. Afterwards, Coach Klinsmann flew to Naples, where Kim Min-jae was working at the time, and had a meeting with him, and his remarks about retirement ended as an incident.
Kim Min-jae, who did not play in the international game in June due to basic military training, was called by coach Klinsmann again to play in the international game in September, and he perfectly lived up to expectations.
Kim Min-jae, who was the only Asian defender selected among the 30 Ballon d’Or candidates announced prior to the Wales game, clearly proved why he is currently considered the best defender in Europe.