Testing South Korea Mentally In The 2023 Asian Cup

JAKARTA - South Korea's appearance throughout the group phase of the 2023 Asian Cup has drawn criticism. They qualified for the knockout round as runners-up in Group E with a collection of five points from two draws and one win.

These results were not enough to make the public satisfied. They assessed that Jurgen Klinsmann's team appeared far below expectations considering that the group's opponents were quite easy to pass.

Moreover, against Malaysia, which is very unseeded. However, South Korea played series 3-3.

Taegeuk Warriors conceded a lot in the group round too. They conceded six goals and broke into the net eight times.

Of course, this situation made fans look negative when South Korea met Saudi Arabia in the round of 16.

You see, Saudi Arabia is one of the strong teams to win the 2023 Asian Cup because Roberto Mancini is carpentry.

However, South Korea can get out of the pressure of fans and prove itself. They overturned Saudi Arabia through a 4-2 penalty shootout drama after a 1-1 to two extra rounds.

Cho Gue-sung's second-half injury time goal saved Taeguek Warriors. The striker also considered that South Korea deserved to win and advance to the quarter-finals.

In the match against Saudi Arabia at Al Janoub Stadium, Cho Gue-sung said the team's mentality had been tested. They fell behind and never gave up.

The mental force that South Korea will bring when appearing in the quarter-finals against Australia.

"Now it's all about mental strength. Many of us in the team have a high-intensity football experience. We're just focused on getting results in the quarter-finals. Many players are currently getting yellow cards, but I don't think we're too worried."

"It's all about winning games, playing every game with all my heart, and securing the results we want," the 26-year-old striker said. "I also have my own way of going through difficult moments. More importantly, I have positive people around me, from head coaches to my teammates. There is a very positive atmosphere in the dressing room. So, the most important thing is to receive criticism for not scoring goals and continuing to move forward," said Denmark Superliga club player Midtjylland.

Nine years ago, Australia beat South Korea in the 2015 Asian Cup final in Sydney. However, Cho believes there is no point given the past.

He wanted Taegeuk Warriors to make their own history. "I wasn't there. So, I'm not too worried about the game as it has been for a long time. However, Australia is a solid team. They are very good at defending and have a physical advantage."

"We have our own strength, there is no pressure on us. We have many qualities in the future. We have speeds up front and have very fast players who can take advantage of the strength of the team."

"For us, it's more about how we play and we need to maximize our strength. Hopefully we get the results we want," Cho said again.

South Korea has previously appeared in the quarter-finals in seven consecutive editions. Their best achievement in the previous seven events was reaching runners-up in 2015 in Australia.

The quarter-final match of Australia vs South Korea will take place at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 22.30 WIB.