Midfielder Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai) on Nov. 5 launches a long-range shot in Korea's game versus Brazil in the round of 16 of the Qatar World Cup soccer finals at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. (Yonhap News) 

By Yoon Sojung

"Though we lost, we're happy to have shown everyone that we can do anything if we believe."

This is what midfielder Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai) of the national soccer team said on Dec. 5 after Korea's game against Brazil in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar.

With his team trailing 4-0, Paik entered the game in the 20th minute of the second half as a substitute for midfielder Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos of Greece) and scored in his first international game on a long-range shot.

When midfielder Lee Kang-in's (Mallorca of Spain) free kick was cleared by Brazil in the 31st minute of that, Paik got the ball and fired a powerful left-footed volley shot inside the right goalpost.

His score failed to turn the tide of the game, however, as Korea lost, 4-1.

In a post-game interview, Paik said, "I wish I could've contributed to a win," adding, "I wanted to show my best after entering (the field)."

"Though we lost, we're happy to have shown everyone that we can do anything if we believe."

Team captain Son Heung-min added, "I feel so sorry despite all the fan support," adding, "We did our best but it was an extremely difficult game."

"All the players proudly fought to get this far, and I have no doubt over their devotion and effort."

This was Son's first appearance in the World Cup's knockout stage in his third tournament after Korea failed to make it in 2014 in Brazil and 2018 in Russia.

Korea's World Cup journey thus ended against Brazil. Through strong teamwork, the Taegeuk Warriors made the round of 16 for the first time since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and their third time overall, including a fourth-place finish in the 2002 World Cup that Korea cohosted. 

President Yoon Suk on Dec. 6 praised the team, saying, "Twenty-six players including captain Son Heung-min and head coach Paulo Bento and his staff all did a great job."

In a message on his Facebook account, the president said, "The drama you showed at this World Cup made all the people's hearts strongly beat as one," adding, "There is now no barrier that Korean soccer cannot overcome."

"Our challenge will continue," he said. "I will dream with a happy heart of a wonderful future four years from now with all the people of the Republic of Korea."

arete@korea.kr