The chances of South Korea eliminating Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup are slightly increased “in a single game”, although the Asians naturally have to accept Brazil’s superiority, Paulo Bento admitted on Sunday.
“If we had to play a championship with many rounds against Brazil, they would always be ahead of us. In a single game, Brazil still has a lot of chances, but we also have more chances. We have nothing to lose. The goal is difficult. , but it’s attractive and we’ll have to try,” said the South Korea coach at a press conference.
The Portuguese coach, who was speaking to reporters before the game with the ‘Canarinhos’, said that the South Koreans will face “many difficulties” and will have to “know how to suffer”.
“In many moments we will play closer to our area and we have to accept it naturally, because the rival will force us to do it. However, we will fight to the limit of our strength, as we have done so far. we like to compete and we never give up, as we have already shown,” he said.
After having lost the last two matches of the group stage due to injury, Neymar should return to Brazil’s eleven against South Korea, news that earned a peremptory comment from Paulo Bento.
“We would be hypocritical if we said that it is better for Neymar to play, but, being fair and sincere, I always prefer that the best players are present in the matches. It is up to us to play the best game possible, to compete against a great team, full of talent and that, now, adds organization and intensity to his individual quality”, he pointed out.
For his part, defender Kim Jin-Su denied any fear of facing the “team” and assured that all South Korean players “will sacrifice” for the entire team and coaching staff.
“Brazil has high-quality players, but that doesn’t intimidate me. Our team also has a high level. They are very talented, they are world-class players, but we have shown that we are capable, with our confidence. and fighting spirit, we have to sacrifice ourselves for all our teammates and coaching staff,” he said.
The 30-year-old left-back, who plays for Jeonbuk Motors, also confessed that he would like to repeat the performance South Korea achieved 20 years ago, in the World Cup organized jointly with Japan.
“In this World Cup the most important thing was to reach the round of 16. But, obviously, we have excellent memories from 2002, from being among the four semi-finalists, and we would like to relive that moment now”, he concluded.
Brazil and South Korea meet in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup on Monday, starting at 10:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. in Lisbon), at Estádio 974, in Doha.
The Brazilians won Group G, with six points, ahead of Switzerland, who will face Portugal, while the South Koreans were second in Group H, with four points, behind the Portuguese team.
Source: TSF
