After two years, Na Sang-ho (29, Machida Zelvia) expressed his feelings upon returning to the national team. He focused on playing for the team with great determination and emphasized pride and fighting spirit ahead of the Korea-Japan match.
On 12th, the South Korean men's national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, underwent intense training ahead of the final match against Japan in the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup).
South Korea recorded back-to-back victories, having defeated China 3-0 on the 7th, followed by a 2-0 win against Hong Kong on the 11th. If they achieve at least a draw in the final match against Japan on the 15th, they will essentially secure the championship.
The national team conducted training for about 1 hour and 30 minutes starting from 10 a.m. on the 12th at Seongnam Sports Complex. The players were divided into a recovery group and a regular training group based on their participation in the previous day's game.
Na Sang-ho, who appeared in an interview with the official channel of the Korea Football Association, said, "I was very happy when my name was announced in the roster, and I prepared a lot with excitement."
He noted, "When I wasn't on the national team, I cheered a lot on TV, and I pondered a lot about how I should play when I eventually got back. I was very eager."
Regarding the change in atmosphere, he shared, "The coach has changed, and it feels completely different. Being here, I feel that I am training joyfully with the players. I am approaching the matches in the same way."
Na Sang-ho showcased a stable performance in the match against Hong Kong on the 11th. He remarked, "Before the game, the coach said that he understands the players' tension and their desire to show themselves, and that the team's victory is the first goal. I too am very pleased that the team won. I only feel regret that I wasn't able to create goals or attacking points within that framework."
Regarding competition within the national team, he said, "There are many good players, so to join that position, I need to perform well in the league and demonstrate the type of play the coach wants in the national team." He added, "I want to continue researching and striving for such aspects to compete well."
He also revealed his caution regarding the Japanese players, stating, "There are many good players among J-League players, so I should be cautious, but I believe the players currently on the national team can sufficiently block and penetrate them and achieve good results in the matches."
In conclusion, Na Sang-ho affirmed, "As we have trained and prepared, carrying the pride and fighting spirit of 'Korea-Japan' on the pitch will lead to good results."
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