The second game of South Korea in Group A of the ongoing World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada is one that made me emotional, not because South Korea lost, but because of the manner in which they lost.
If you watched the match, you would have seen how emotional the scene leading to the goal that broke the deadlock was, especially for the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper was doing a lot, saving all manner of shots from the Mexicans, including those that would have easily ended up in the back of the net.
The mood of the game was ruined for the South Koreans when a shot was taken at the Korean goalkeeper inside the penalty box. He caught the ball, but it slipped out of his hands and, before we knew it, a Mexican player who was nearby quickly stretched out his leg and calmly directed the ball towards the goalpost. Just like that, the ball freely rolled into the net while everyone watched in disbelief.
It looked like a movie script, something so unreal, but yes, it happened and it was real. The Korean goalkeeper could not hide his heartbreak. The look of disappointment was written all over his face and reflected through his entire body language.
I really feel for him. I saw myself in his shoes, taking all the blame, but there is no way I could truly feel what he felt at that moment.
As it stands, South Korea needs to win their next match against South Africa or at least secure a draw to qualify, or stand a chance of qualifying, for the round of 32 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
South Korea has 3 points and is currently second in the group, while Mexico is leading the group with 6 points, which has already secured them automatic qualification to the round of 32.
Czechia and South Africa have 1 point each, and they can still qualify for the round of 32 if they win their next matches.
All hope is not lost. The door is still wide open for any of the teams to progress to the next stage, and I must say that I am rooting for South Korea to advance.