After crying over one bad call and another bad goal, South Korea’s Cho Kyu-sung (24-Mitwillan) was grateful for a courier cross from Lee Kang-in (21-PSG).
Cho Kyu-sung scored one goal and provided one assist, including the game-winner, in South Korea’s 5-0 victory over Singapore in Group C of the second Asian qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup North America (co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico) on Saturday at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Starting up front, Cho Kyu-sung found himself in the box with an assist from Lee Kang-in. After failing to create any chances in the first half due to Singapore’s defense dropping deep into the back five, he was able to capitalize on Lee’s pass.
In the 23rd minute, Lee sent in a sharp left-footed cross that Cho Kyu-sung headed home. Lee Jae-sung (31-Mainz) calmly slotted it home to rattle the net, but the goal was disallowed as the assistant referee ruled Cho Kyu-sung offside. However, replays showed that Cho was onside.
Cho had to swallow another disappointment in the 33rd minute, when Lee Ki-je (32-Samsung Suwon)’s cross from the left deflected off Son Heung-min and into the box for a volley that hit the crossbar.
Three challenges later, Cho Kyu-sung finally found the back of the net. Just before halftime, he again met Lee Kang-in’s sharp cross with a left-footed nonstop shot that rattled the net for the winner and his eighth goal in 29 A-match appearances.
Cho Kyu-sung said of Lee Kang-in, who played a key role as a helper, “Once he gets the ball, his cross trajectory is very good. I am grateful to (Lee) for bringing (the ball) to me.”
The following is a one-on-one interview with Cho Kyu-sung.
-How did the game go?
Before the game, I thought it was similar to the Vietnam game. Against Vietnam, the goal came early in the game and we controlled the game comfortably, and today we controlled the game, but it was hard for everyone because the goal didn’t come. But now, I think (Lee) Kang In-ga’s crosses are so good that the goal came quickly and we were able to win the game. 토토사이트
-Since the World Cup, when Lee Kang-in supports me, I can connect well.
Once he gets the ball, his cross trajectory is so good, so I give him (the ball).
-Even though you didn’t score a goal, your seniors praised you. Were you worried when you didn’t score?
My role, as I always say, is sacrifice. Of course, a goal is a goal, but I don’t think I’m the main character, I think it’s my job to make it easier for other people to play. If I can add a goal to that, it’s even better, so I’m happy just to play like this, even if it’s not a goal.