First A-Match (4)
Ha Sang-yoon had been pretty famous back in high school too, but even he fell a bit short compared to those two. Ryu Sang-heon and Lee Hyun-jun had been big names right from their high school days. On top of that, both had played for youth academy high school teams under Daegu United and Ulsan FC, signing semi-pro contracts as students and even featuring in K League 1 matches. Then, in the 35-36 season, they both joined AS Monaco together—the same agent helped make that happen. If you were just going by expectations, Lee Hyun-jun had a slight edge over Ryu Sang-heon. But in reality, Lee Hyun-jun struggled with injuries and other issues over two seasons without much impact, while Ryu Sang-heon became a key player last season, leading his team to the UEFA Champions League group stage—what they called the "war of the stars."
Like Ha Sang-yoon, both had rock-solid fundamentals, no question. And beyond that, they possessed skills that far surpassed their peers.
"Feels like we've met before... The President's Cup when you were a high school freshman, right?"
"Oh yeah, you remember?"
"Of course. That time..."
Ryu Sang-heon trailed off, hesitating. I could guess what he was about to say.
...Probably remembers me because of my looks.
A player with great physique and good looks. Back in high school, I was more famous for my appearance than my skills.
And now, here I was, standing shoulder to shoulder with them. Purely on talent.
"What's up with this place? Why's the gym so empty?"
While Ryu Sang-heon and I chatted—Lee Hyun-jun was the quiet type—a man strode into the weight room. I recognized the voice instantly.
The core of the national team's midfield, Eintracht Frankfurt's ace. Kim Min-woo.
He'd turned pro at Avispa Fukuoka in Japan, won league MVP there, transferred to Southampton FC in the English Premier League, put in solid shifts for two seasons, and now was killing it at Eintracht Frankfurt. There'd even been hot rumors linking him to Liverpool FC this summer transfer window—or so the story went, it fell through over military service issues. Big clubs were circling him.
"Min-woo hyung!"
"Hey, Sang-yoon. How've you been?"
We were near the entrance, so we greeted him first.
"Sang-heon! Hyun-jun! My Monaco combo!"
Seeing Kim Min-woo—a player I'd only watched on TV, the most successful active one—in person felt like spotting a celebrity.
"Hyun-jun, put some energy into your greeting. Still shy as a kid? Be bold like Sang-heon, yeah? Body to body, like this?"
He was as upbeat off-camera as in interviews. His gaze finally landed on me.
Kim Min-woo's first words to me...
"...Damn, your body's insane."
Not what I expected—no compliment on looks. He eyed my physique in awe, then looked at my face and seemed a bit surprised.
"Knew you were handsome, but you're even better in person, huh?"
"Thanks, sun... I mean, hyung... hyung."
I stumbled a bit, and he chuckled.
"Relax. Let's do well together. I'm hyped—I've watched all your match highlights, you know?"
"Whoa, really?"
"...Drop the formal speech, man. This ain't the army."
"Ah, yes sir!"
Kim Min-woo flashed a manly grin and patted my shoulder lightly—a gesture to ease the tension.
"Talk to me later. Got some questions. No pressure."
"Ah... sure, got it."
"Told you, drop the formal."
"Yeah, hyung... haha."
Looks like he had Spain questions too. He scanned my body once more before heading off. Right then, Captain Im Tae-han dragged a player into the gym with a headlock, like he was hauling him along.
Our eyes met. Jeon Se-hyeon.
Currently at Seoul FC as a left back, he'd played for Hertha BSC Berlin in the Bundesliga until last season. A Schalke 04 youth product, he'd built his pro career entirely in Germany with stints at 1. FC Heidenheim and others. Solid performer, but he got squeezed out after the Hertha move, and military issues forced a return to K League.
He came right over and stuck out his hand, all friendly. I figured it was just a welcome.
But when I shook it, out popped an unexpected name.
"You know Han Ji-hye?"
My heart skipped. A name I never saw coming, making me wonder for a split second if she was an ex. But no, none of my exes were named Han Ji-hye.
Hmm. But why does it ring a bell?
"She's my girlfriend, and she said you two know each other."
"Uh... sorry, drawing a blank all of a sudden..."
"She said you met a few times with your ex?"
Ah... fuck, right.
Jeong Ha-yoon's best friend she introduced me to—the model type. Aviation major or something.
A shitty memory resurfaced. Come to think of it, Jeong Ha-yoon trashed her "bestie" Han Ji-hye whenever we were together.
...Lucky break, actually. If Jeong Ha-yoon was Jeon Se-hyeon's girl now, things would've been super awkward.
"Ah, yeah. I remember."
"Sweet! Let's grab food sometime."
"Uh... that food thing might be..."
My face twisted involuntarily. A nasty thought hit me.
If Jeong Ha-yoon's scheming to meet up again...?
"Oh, about your ex."
"...Yeah."
"She and my girlfriend cut ties."
"...What?"
"And among my girlfriend's friends..."
Jeon Se-hyeon leaned in close, whispering conspiratorially.
"You know Vesta? The girl group? Member So-hyun's tight with my girl. She says eating with you is her dream. If you're not into it, no biggie."
...Women's worlds are a mystery.
Obvious ploy: I'm blowing up now, so rub it in her ex-friend's face, flex her connections, impress her idol pal. But coming from a national team senior?
"Think it over. My girl says you'd match great."
"Ah... sure."
Even less appealing. Chatty Jeong Ha-yoon surely blabbed about my "precious size" to Han Ji-hye. Han Ji-hye acted like she knew. That's why I avoided her friends.
And we'd match? ...That idol must like 'em small and spicy.
If so, no way I'm meeting her now.
"What? What's up? What'd you two talk about?"
Im Tae-han approached, eyes full of curiosity. Jeon Se-hyeon brushed it off with "Private stuff, hyung."
Left alone with Im Tae-han, he hit me with a question.
"Girlfriend? You two know each other?"
I had to dodge too.
"Private stuff... haha."
"I hate not knowing... but private it is."
He waved it off dramatically, then turned to Ha Sang-yoon.
"You introduce Tae-oh to the guys yet?"
"Did these two first."
"The rest?"
"They're greeting him themselves?"
"Dude, you're his only familiar face. Look after him."
"Psh. He's famous now—everyone comes to him anyway."
"Still. Tae-oh, the rest of the team's at the dorm. Stick with me. I'll intro everyone."
Im Tae-han slung an arm around my shoulder. For the eldest, it felt light—made it even better. But no slacking. Guys like him flip out and tear you apart when pissed.
Don't mess with him.
That filled my head.
"This is our vice-captain, Park Ju-won. Know him? Top-paid mercenary center-back in Japan? ...And this is Jeong Hoon-won. At Feyenoord. Top-tier dribbler with Hyun-jun on the team. ...And here's Oh Seong-jin, Freiburg center-back...."
Im Tae-han kindly made time for intros. Some I'd passed in the halls earlier. All welcomed me.
Soon, all twenty-five players gathered in the gym, chatting and warming up lightly.
Then the coaches trickled in. No need for Im Tae-han to handle intros.
While chatting briefly with Coach Kang In-hyeok, Joao Martins finally appeared, with senior coach Luis Miranda, Dani Monteiro, and GK coach/power analyst Carlos Orta in tow.
◆ The national team's training kicked off in earnest.
First day was just light loosening up. Day two: open training in the morning with press and fans watching, closed session afternoon prepping for Iran. Day three: full closed training, final Iran prep, then hotel rest in Seoul. Day four: the match against Iran at Sangam World Cup Stadium.
On day one, Joao Martins—interpreter in tow—mingled with players, double-checking conditions and fitness. Asking about families, he used the time to rebuild bonds.
One player sparked new interest.
"Theo's got the basics down solid."
"Right? Knew his Spanish was good, but Portuguese that fluent? A few chats with Brazilian teammates and boom... language genius?"
Theo Cha was near-perfect linguistically.
"But his body? Rock solid. Min-woo's got him spotting weights like a trainer."
The team trainer gawked too. Broad shoulders, sturdy legs, muscles packed on with barely visible fat. Explained how he won physical battles against Europeans in La Liga 2.
"Tactical smarts too—smart player. Expect quick adaptation tomorrow."
Joao Martins nodded agreement.
Ryu Sang-heon had great basics, technique, link-up play—but lacked the power to hold the box if Iran parked the bus. Jo Jun-seop shone in open spaces, best as sub unless early goal forced Iran forward. More joker than starter.
Iran will defend deep for sure.
A draw secured group leadership for them in this away game—they'd lock it down. That's why they surprise-picked me to break it. Coaches' expectations were sky-high.
Win against Iran, and even a Qatar loss meant direct World Cup qualification.
If Theo pulls off what he did at Alcorcon...
He'd threaten Iran plenty.
Tomorrow's gonna be fun.
A hopeful smile spread across Joao Martins' face.