When there is a setting sun, there is a rising sun. The World Cup, the world’s best stage, excites soccer fans with new stars appearing every time.
Korea, which succeeded in advancing to the round of 16 after 12 years, ‘handsome striker’ Cho Kyu-seong appeared like a comet and easily filled the empty spot of Hwang Ui-jo, and even set a record of scoring multiple goals in one World Cup game for the first time as a Korean player. There were players who were expected to play in the next World Cup, such as Lee Kang-in, whose value was already recognized in Serie A, and Baek Seung-ho, who scored a goal against Brazil, but the dramatic scene stealer was Cho Kyu-seong.
Kyu-Sung Cho, who plays for Jeonbuk in the K-League, is known to be interested in foreign clubs such as Celtic of Scotland and Fenerbahce of Turkey thanks to his play in this tournament. Cho Kyu-seong was especially well-received in aerial competition, scoring two goals against Ghana, and his goal-making ability is also recognized. If Cho Kyu-seong goes abroad and gains a lot of experience, it is expected that he will be able to show more performance in the next World Cup.
Ronaldo’s team, Portugal, eased the disappointment of being eliminated in the quarterfinals with the appearance of a 21-year-old forward named Gonzalo Hamus. Hamus, who only appeared as a substitute in two group matches, overtook Ronaldo as a starter in the round of 16 against Switzerland and scored a hat-trick and one assist to lead the team to a 6-1 victory. While Ronaldo was criticized for his waning performance and selfish attitude, manager Santos’ bold choice of Hamus paid off. Hamus became the fourth Portuguese player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup.
Croatian defender Joshko Gbardiol, who finished third, cannot be left out.
If Modric was the core of the offense, Gbardiol was the center of defense. He is 185cm tall and his physical is not bad, but he also has speed. He is good at passing and dribbling. He is so stable that it is hard to believe that he is 20 years old. Gbardiol, who wore a mask like Son Heung-min in this tournament, is playing for Leipzig, but he is in a state of hot interest from big clubs. As Premier League teams with thick wallets and Real Madrid are paying attention, his ransom may easily exceed 100 million dollars (approximately 140 billion won).
England, which was knocked out in the quarterfinals by defeating France, can take comfort in the fact that it once again confirmed the skills of ‘Teenage Genius’ Jude Bellingham. Bellingham, who is active in Dortmund in the Bundesliga after Birmingham City, is a player who is expected to be the future of England early enough to be selected as a UEFA Euro 2020 representative last year at the age of 18. He can play both in the center and on the sides, and he is also good at passing and kicking.
‘Messi’s team’ Argentina is happy to see Julian Alvarez. Every World Cup, Argentina did not have a suitable partner to connect Messi’s picturesque pass to a goal.
Alvarez, who was recognized for his talent enough to be recruited by Manchester City in January, has grown rapidly by representing the Copa America Cup through the Under-20 World Cup representative. His height is small, but he is good at scoring and passing, so he is highly utilized in the attacking line. In the semi-final against Croatia, he scored two goals to lead Argentina to victory alongside Messi. The boy who said, “It was my dream to play with Messi,” means that Messi’s last dream came true together. 스포츠토토
In the ‘Orange Legion’ Netherlands, midfielder Cody Gakpo’s performance was outstanding. Gakpo, a member of Eindhoven, is a wing player who breaks down the side defense and unleashes the attack. He was, of course, a target for big clubs. In the league, it seems that it is only a matter of time before Gakpo, who is a ‘post-Netherland class’, goes to a big club, as he scored 21 goals last year and 20 attack points this season. Reporter Seongjin Kim