Joy and despair for South Korea’s Cho

Doha: Cho Gue-sung was one of the bright sparks in Korea Republic’s heartbreaking FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H defeat to Ghana on Monday.

The 24-year-old’s two goals hauled Korea Republic back into the contest at the Education City Stadium but Ghana had the final say, with Mohammed Kudus scoring the winner in the 68th minute. 

Cho’s two headed goals meant he became the first Korea Republic player to score twice in a FIFA World Cup match but the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors forward - understandably - had mixed feelings about his feat. 

Given a start after coming off the bench in the 0-0 draw with Uruguay, Cho made the most of the opportunity with two powerful headers against Ghana.  

“I wanted to prove myself on a big stage like this, and I wanted to reward the coach (Paulo Bento) for his faith in me,” Cho said. “The coach wanted me to battle up front, and I did the best I could.

“In every match, I think to myself, ‘I should do what I can from my position,’ instead of ‘I have to play well. Even after I scored the equaliser, I couldn’t think of anything else. I wanted to keep pushing and pushing.”

Cho was the K League topscorer this season, notching 17 goals, having started his career in the second tier just three years ago. 

“I am really a nobody, but I got to score goals in a World Cup match,” Cho said. “If you keep trusting yourself and keep chasing your dreams, then you can score on a big stage like this. I still find it hard to believe I was able to score today.”

The forward, however, admitted his achievement had been overshadowed by Korea Republic’s defeat, with the East Asians now having to beat already-qualified Portugal if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the knockout stage. 

“Obviously, I am honoured, but I wanted a victory more than the two goals,” Cho said. “I am devastated.”

Portugal, who defeated  Uruguay 2-0 on Monday, are on six points with Ghana three adrift in second. Korea and Uruguay have one point each.