RUSSIA: South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong hailed the unfancied Asians’ momentous 2-0 World Cup victory over holders Germany on Wednesday however admitted it left him feeling “somewhat bit empty”.
A pair of late objectives from Kim Younger-gwon and Tottenham ahead Son Heung-min, mixed with an excellent show from goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo helped South Korea create one of many best shocks within the historical past of the event.
Germany, the 2014 champions, Confederations Cup champions and FIFA’s top-ranked staff, had been eradicated on the first hurdle for the primary time since 1938.
Sadly for South Korea, who had been given no hope following defeats to Mexico and Sweden, it was not sufficient to safe their passage to the final 16 for the primary time since 2010.
In 2002, the Asians joint-hosted the event with Japan and completed in fourth place.
“I really feel nice however on the similar time I really feel somewhat bit empty, so I really feel somewhat bit ambivalent,” Shin stated when requested to place his facet’s historic feat into context.
“Yesterday we stated there was solely a 1% likelihood and so I advised my gamers it actually was a last-ditch effort for them and I advised them that they needed to struggle till the tip.
“Germany are the defending champions and primary within the FIFA rating, so I considered what errors Germany would possibly make, as a result of they most likely felt they’d be capable of beat us – that’s what everyone thought.
“I assumed we might use that as a reverse technique and that has actually hit the nail on the top.”
Sweden’s 3-0 win over Mexico within the group’s different match meant the pair superior on six factors apiece. South Korea, on three, completed third, forward of Germany on purpose distinction.
Shin stated he took some encouragement from his facet’s efficiency.
“We’re not going to the final 16, however we did handle to beat the champions and the world primary staff,” he added.
“I hope we are able to construct on that, handle to enhance and do higher sooner or later.”