Jens Kastrov (22, Borussia Mönchengladbach) played his first match in Korea under the national flag. However, Korea could not laugh as it suffered a 0-5 defeat to Brazil.
South Korea suffered a crushing 0-5 friendly defeat against Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Oct. 10.
South Korea gave up the first run to Brazilian striker Istevan Willian in the 13th minute of the first half. South Korea then lost points to Hodrigu (41 minutes in the first half), Estebang (2 minutes in the second half), Hodrigu (4 minutes in the second half), and Vinicius Junior (32 minutes in the second half).
사진 확대 Jens Kastroff. Photo = Reporter Lee Geun-seung
South Korea finished the match against Brazil with a lethargic performance, with Son Heung-min, who was in the front, failing to try a single shot and losing points in succession due to a series of mistakes from the back early in the second half.
Castrov took the ground as a substitute just before the start of the second half when South Korea was trailing 0-2. Coach Hong Myung-bo called in Hwang In-beom and put in a castrope to start the second half.
This is the first time that Castrov played in front of Korean fans.
Kastroff showed active activity and determination, but it was not enough to reverse the flow to Brazil.
사진 확대 A friendly match between Korea and the Brazilian national soccer team was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 10th. Korea’s Jens Kastroff is trying to break through. Photo = Yonhap News
“I feel a little complicated,” Castrov told reporters in the joint coverage area (Mix Zone), “and I always want to win.”
“I was really happy with the enthusiastic support and hospitality of Korean fans. The atmosphere of the home stadium was amazing. I am truly grateful to the fans. However, it was a really tough game. We could have done better. We will try to show better performance in the future,” he said.
사진 확대 A friendly match between Korea and the Brazilian national soccer team was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 10th. Korea’s Jens Kastroff is falling. Photo = Yonhap News
Kastrov was born to a German father and a Korean mother. He was born in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Castrov is the first foreign-born mixed-race national team player in the history of Korean men’s soccer.
After making his A-match debut in the U.S. in September, Kastrov showed his presence in front of Korean fans in October.
Castrov was put on the ground as a central midfielder against Brazil and spent the rest of his time moving to the left striker after the middle of the second half. Kastrov also plays various positions for his team Mönchengladbach.
Castrov said, “Coach Hong Myung-bo said after the game, ‘Let’s take a day off and analyze the game afterwards.’ I’ll find a better way to play next time. I was put on the ground today in the role of No. 6 (defensive midfielder) and even played the left winger and No. 10 (offensive midfielder). Position doesn’t matter much. I want to contribute to Korea’s victory wherever I play. What’s important to me is our team,” he said.
사진 확대 A friendly match between Korea and the Brazilian national soccer team was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 10th. South Korean Jens Castrov is tripping over Brazil’s defense while trying to break through. Photo = Yonhap News
사진 확대 A friendly match between Korea and the Brazilian national soccer team was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 10th. Coach Hong Myung-bo is encouraging Son Heung-min. Photo = Yonhap News
Castrov also expressed his respect for Son Heung-min, who made a new history against Brazil.
Son Heung-min’s appearance in the match against Brazil has raised Korea’s lone ranking in the most A-match appearances ever. Son Heung-min has 53 goals in 137 A matches.
“It’s a really amazing record,” Castrov said. “I know how difficult it is to play more than 10 national team games every year. Respectful. I also want to play as many games as possible as a Korean player someday and leave a good record,” he said.
Castrov vowed to perform better against Paraguay on the 14th.
Castrov said, “I will definitely show a good performance next time. Whatever role is given, I will do my best,” he said.
[Sangam = Lee Geun-seung, MK Sports Reporter]