Kang-in Lee led the 4-0 win with the first and second goals of the international match against Tunisia,
“I wasn’t greedy for a hat trick… the team’s victory is important.”
‘Shooting star’ Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) scored his dream international debut goal.
The Korean national soccer team (26th in FIFA rankings), led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, defeated Tunisia (29th) 4-0 in the Hana Bank invitational national soccer team friendly match held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 13th.
Klinsmann, who had his first win against Saudi Arabia (57th) in the international match last September, succeeded in two consecutive wins. Also, they tasted victory in 5 games at home. They also achieved their first win against Tunisia, who had lost 1 draw and 1 loss.
The main contributor to the Klinsmann victory was definitely Lee Kang-in. Even before the game, Coach Klinsmann announced his plan for moderation, saying, “We will actively utilize Lee Kang-in.” He then started and took the lead in Klinsmann.
The first half lacked detail despite strong pressure. It was Lee Kang-in who did everything in the attack. He shook the Tunisian defense with his unique ability to keep the ball, depress, and dribble. It started in the center, but moved to the side to show off its splendor.
It was Lee Kang-in who broke the frustration. In the 10th minute of the second half, the opponent committed a foul right in front of the penalty box. Lee Kang-in, who took over as the kicker himself, scored a fantastic goal with a free kick that hit the right corner of the goal. A goal on his international debut. It was a goal that came after 15 games.
It took 15 games for his international debut goal to arrive, but his second came just two minutes later. In a mixed situation in the penalty box, Lee Kang-in overcame the contest with the opposing defender. He then succeeded in scoring an additional point with a left foot shot. Even the goalkeeper couldn’t move. Lee Kang-in led the opponent to an own goal with a corner kick in the 22nd minute of the second half, receiving cheers from over 59,000 people.
After the game, Lee Kang-in met with reporters in the mixed zone and said, “Thank you for your support,” and “If I can continue to be on the national team, I want to do my best in every game and help the team win.” In addition, he promised his dedication, saying, “I want to help win any competition,” and “I may or may not be good at it, but I will do my best to help the team.”
Regarding moving from the center to the side during the game, he said, “Every game, the coach gives freedom not only to me but to all the players.” He added, “When Jae-seong Lee and I thought it would be a good idea to switch positions, we thought it would be a good idea to change positions. “I think it’s gotten better,” he explained.
He added, “We are grateful to the coach who listened to our story and Jaeseong for accepting us,” adding, “We always want to play as close to victory as possible and will do our best.”
Lee Kang-in scored the second goal two minutes after the first goal, but there was no desire for a hat trick in Lee Kang-in’s mind. Lee Kang-in, who said, “I’m not a goal scorer,” said, “After scoring two goals, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about scoring one more goal for a hat trick.” He continued, “The most important thing is the team victory, and the most important thing is that the team does well, no matter who plays.”
On this day, national team captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) was absent due to less-than-perfect physical condition. Regarding Son Heung-min’s absence, Lee Kang-in said, “I didn’t feel any pressure,” and added, “I hope (Son) 안전놀이터 Heung-min’s condition improves and we have a chance to play together.”
Lastly, Lee Kang-in said, “As I always say, I am grateful for the interest and support for Korean soccer.” He added, “When I look at the K-League these days, it seems like a lot of spectators come to the stadium and support us. “I will work hard to show not only me but all the players fun and good soccer,” he pledged.