Seung-gyu Kim
GK
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Sep 30, 1990 (35)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
Three saves, one goal conceded
Kim logged three saves but conceded one goal during South Korea's 1-0 loss Wednesday against South Africa.
Analysis: Despite a crucial mistake during South Korea's preceding game Thursday against Mexico, Kim remained in goal Wednesday. For the goalkeeper's first save, he comfortably caught Oswin Appollis' lone shot on goal. The highlight of Kim's appearance was his next saves, both in a sequence. Thalente Mbatha's long shot on goal forced a Kim dive, and though the ball bounced to Evidence Makgopa, his rebound was also saved. All of South Africa's many counter-attacks were mostly held in check until the 63rd minute, when Thapelo Maseko finally broke through for RSA. For each of Korea's group-stage games, Kim logged three saves but conceded a goal, indicating both consistency and vulnerability against relatively less established teams. Now, he must wait for other results to determine whether Korea advances to the Round of 32, against either Group G's winner (Egypt, Iran or Belgium) or Germany.
Hero to zero at Mexico
Kim logged three saves and conceded one goal during South Korea's 1-0 loss Thursday at Mexico.
Analysis: In terms of brilliant saves, Kim provided some, the first off a 19th-minute header from Julian Quinones. Unfortunately for Kim, he was part of a crucial mistake minutes into the second half. Using a cross, Quinones targeted Raul Jimenez, but his effort was deflected high into the air. Running off his goal line and attempting to catch said deflection, Kim briefly caught the ball before colliding with Lee Gi-Hyuk, spilling it to Luis Romo, who subsequently scored. Kim softened the blow with super saves from separate shots by Raul Jimenez and Obed Vargas. But because South Korea did not log any goals at Mexico, it meant Kim's mistake cost the team a point despite his in-game excellence before and after his gaffe. It is unclear how Korea will respond in goal, either sticking with Kim or promoting Jo Hyeon-woo, prior to Korea's group-stage finale Wednesday against South Africa. Kim's case includes six saves and two goals conceded.
Expected to feature with NT
Kim is likely to play his second consecutive World Cup for South Korea, offering a reliable option in goal.
Analysis: Kim will look to retain an edge over Jo Hyeon-woo in the race for the starting role, with the team conceding just once over the last three times he has gotten the nod. Kim is one of the most experienced pieces of the South Korean squad after previously starting at the 2022 World Cup and compiling more than 90 senior international appearances throughout his career. The keeper is unlikely to earn a massive save volume with his side avoiding the big tournament favorites in the group stage, but his positioning and command of the back line still give him a solid floor for clean-sheet potential, and his shot-stopping ability and organizational presence should prove valuable when South Korea's five-man defense is tested.
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