Gianluigi Buffon (47), once the world's greatest goalkeeper, made a cowardly excuse.

Buffon played a crucial role as the goalkeeper for the Italy national team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. However, when Buffon faced South Korea in the Round of 16, he was defeated 1-2 by Ahn Jung-hwan's golden goal.

South Korea earned a penalty kick through Ahn Jung-hwan but failed to convert it. Christian Vieri scored the first goal, giving Italy a 1-0 lead. Just before the end, Seol Ki-hyeon scored a dramatic equalizer, saving South Korea.

In extra time, Ahn Jung-hwan connected with a header from a cross floated by Lee Young-pyo. It was a golden goal system, meaning that one goal would end the match. Along with Ahn Jung-hwan's ring kiss, South Korea advanced to the quarterfinals. South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the semifinals in the World Cup, leaving behind a legacy.

For South Korea, it is a good memory, but for Italy, it remains the worst nightmare. In particular, Ahn Jung-hwan, who was playing at Perugia in Italy at the time, experienced the humiliation of being released by the club owner.

Italy still claims that their defeat to South Korea was due to biased refereeing by referee Byron Moreno. Buffon, who is now serving as the Director General of the Italy national team, asserted the injustice of the team's elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Buffon recalled the 2002 FIFA World Cup when asked about the most memorable referee. He said, "Moreno's decisions were truly outrageous. Everyone thought he was a real enemy. Many years have passed, and I have aged a lot. But I still cannot erase the memories from that time."

Buffon continued, "Even when the Italy national team returned home after losing to South Korea, many people applauded at the airport," expressing regret over the memories from 23 years ago.

In fact, there have been consistent unfounded rumors in Italy that referee Moreno was bribed.

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