Klinsmann "praises players for staying calm for 44 minutes to get first goal"

South Korea thrashes Singapore 5-0 in first North American World Cup qualifier "Lee Kang-in will play a key role with his creativity to break down defenses"

Director Klinsmann is frustrated

The 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia Regional 2nd Preliminary Group C first match between Korea and Singapore held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 16th.

"I would like to praise the players who calmly broke down the opponent's defense."

Jürgen Klinsmann, coach of the Korean national soccer team, praised his players for breaking through the thick defensive wall and winning by 5 points in 44 minutes in the first half.

Korea defeated Singapore 5-0 in the first match of Group C of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia 2nd qualifying round held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 16th.

They had a hard time breaking through Singapore's 'two-line defense' for a while, but in the 44th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain)'s sharp cross followed by Cho Gyu-sung's left-footed shot led to the first goal, and a 'goal feast' unfolded.

In the second half, Premier Leaguers Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Son Heung-min (Tottenham) scored one after another.Next, Hwang Ui-jo (Norwich City) scored a penalty kick, and in the 40th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in scored a left-footed mid-range shot to secure a 5-0 victory.

The bone storm started with Jo Gyu-seong

The 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia Regional 2nd Preliminary Group C first match between Korea and Singapore held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 16th.The national team's Cho Gyu-seong receives a pass from Lee Kang-in and scores a goal.

Coach Klinsmann said at a press conference after the game, "The players did their best like professionals. I thought we had to remain calm from the beginning," and added, "After scoring, they showed their skills to their heart's content. I am happy that the players played happily." .

He also said, "As can be seen from the fact that one of Singapore's goals was canceled due to offside, Singapore was also a team that could create a threatening situation." “I hope you know how much effort it took and how much calm it took,” he added.

Coach Klinsmann did not hide his expectations for Lee Kang-in, who started and ended the goal feast as the main character of the game.

Coach Klinsmann said, "Creativity is needed when dealing with a defensive team. We need a player who can penetrate the penalty area, score, and score in one-on-one situations. Lee Kang-in knows how to do this. Pass to the back space." “He knows how to put things in and finish them on his own,” he praised.

He continued, “This is something we continuously tell Lee Kang-in that he must not only dribble, finish, and assist, but also devote himself defensively. This is probably something that his team’s coach Luis Enrique also coaches.”

On this day, the national team's ace, Son Heung-min, was tackled roughly by an opposing player midway through the second half and fell to the ground.However, Coach Klinsmann let Son Heung-min play full time.

Lee Kang-in greets the audience

Korea's Lee Kang-in greets the crowd after Korea won 5-0 in the first match between Korea and Singapore in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia 2nd qualifying group C match held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 16th. Saying hello to

Coach Klinsmann said, "It was a foul that didn't have to be made in a situation where we were trailing by a large score. I also got very angry at the moment."

He added, "It is rare for any player to play a game with 100% physical condition. It may be painful. It is also the player's responsibility to play while enduring or managing the pain."

Meanwhile, Singapore coach Takayuki Nishigaya acknowledged the complete defeat, saying, "Korea was a great team. They were flawless both as a team and in their individual abilities."

Coach Nishigaya, who is from Japan, said, "Compared to when I was a player, Korea has improved greatly. Many players are showing good performance in Europe. Their overall level, capabilities, and skills have improved greatly. That's why it was difficult to play against them today." “It was very difficult,” he said. 스포츠토토맨