Overview
- Kim became a father while training for the tournament and told reporters he is sorry he missed the birth and will try to make up for it by delivering strong performances on the pitch.
- Team signals this week, including Kim's presence at a press conference days before the opener, have led reporters to conclude he appears favoured to start over long-time rival Jo Hyeon-woo.
- Kim, 35, is an experienced FC Tokyo goalkeeper with more than 80 caps who says he will be aggressive on crosses and set pieces to help his defenders.
- Coaches and analysts contrast Kim's distribution and kicking ability, which can act as a playmaking outlet from the back, with Jo's reflex strengths, leaving tactical trade-offs for the final selection.
- South Korea begin Group A play in Guadalajara against the Czech Republic on June 11 and the goalkeeper decision could influence how the team defends aerial threats and builds play from the back.