"I'm sorry to my teammates."

The South Korea Under-22 (U-22) national football team, led by head coach Lee Min-sung, recorded a 0-0 draw against Australia in a friendly match invited by Hana Bank held at Yongin Mir Stadium on the evening of the 5th. This was Lee Min-sung's debut match and the starting point of the full journey toward the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

On that day, Korea started in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City) played as the lone striker, while Yun Jae-seok (Ulsan Hyundai), Chae Hyun-woo (FC Anyang), and Bae Jun-ho formed the second line. Hwang Do-yoon (FC Seoul) and Lee Seung-won (Gimcheon Sangmu) managed the midfield, and the back four included Choi Woo-jin (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Lee Hyun-yong (Suwon FC), Choi Seok-hyun (Ulsan Hyundai), and Park Chang-woo (Busan IPark). The goal was defended by Moon Hyun-ho (Gimcheon).

The initial buildup was frustrating, but in the middle of the first half, the team found an attacking breakthrough centered around Bae Jun-ho. Bae Jun-ho exhibited his presence with two threatening shots and led the attack throughout the first half.

However, as Bae Jun-ho came off at the start of the second half, the team's attack stalled rapidly. Various player combinations were experimented with in the second half, but the finishing accuracy was lacking. Lee Seung-jun missed a crucial chance, which was particularly representative of the performance.

The match concluded with no goals scored. The first game under head coach Lee Min-sung revealed both potential and challenges. The national team will undergo additional checks through a closed practice match against Australia on the 9th.

After the match, Bae Jun-ho participated in an interview with a broadcasting company. Having played only 45 minutes, Bae Jun-ho stated, "I don't have an injury, but the coach was concerned about the fact that I hadn't played for a long time. He allowed me to play for only 45 minutes as part of managing my physical condition while bringing back my game sense."

He added, "We really prepared thoroughly for the set pieces, and the situations unfolded as we planned. However, I feel very sorry for my teammates for not finishing properly, which makes me feel even more regretful."

He continued, "I think the players were able to play really hard because so many people came to the stadium to support us. We would be grateful if you continue to support us until we qualify for the Asian Games finals. Thank you."

[OSEN]