Takefusa Kubo (23), the core of Japan, slightly raised the corner of his mouth when his friend Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) was named. Born in 2001, Lee Kang-in and Gubo are “talent” representing Korea and Japan. As children, they moved to Spain and built their careers. During the 2021-2022 season, they shared a sauna with each other in Majorca (Spain). They are showing off their friendship that goes beyond nationality. They are not an ordinary Korea-Japan rivalry. They also celebrated their birthdays with each other. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Lee Kang-in said, “I contacted Gubo after seeing the results of Japan. I saw him win today and see you in the quarterfinals.”
The two are rapidly growing as the ace players of both Korea and Japan. Lee moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the 2023-2024 season and made a soft landing. Notably, he scored the winning goal at the French Super Cup on the 4th, spearheading his team’s victory. He was also named the MVP of the match. Gubo also has six goals and three assists in the Spanish Primera Liga and one assist in the European Champions League (UCL) this season. Recently, Transfer Mart, a website specializing in soccer transfers, put Gubo’s market value at 60 million euros, the highest among Asian players. 토토사이트 추천
They are best friends, but they are enemies on the ground. Notably, they will have to compete for the title at the upcoming Qatar Asian Cup. Korea and Japan are strong contenders for the title at the upcoming event. Assuming that both teams pass the group league as No. 1 players, it is a showdown in the final. Kubo stopped the match. Japan, led by Coach Hajime Moriyasu, had its first Group D match against Vietnam on Wednesday at the Altumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Kubo was not sure whether he would participate. He injured his thigh at a club game ahead of the Asian Cup. Kubo started the first match on the bench. He took the ground in the 39th minute of the second half when his team was leading 3-2. He didn’t need much time. Kubo helped Ayase Ueda to score a decisive goal in the first minute of input. He woke up his teammate’s toes with his sharp pass. Kubo ended the game after playing about 10 minutes including extra time. Japan declared its first win with a score of 4-2.
After the match, Gubo appeared in the “mix zone.” Separately speaking to Korean reporters, Gubo said, “It wasn’t an easy game. At one point, Vietnam was given the lead. In the end, we are fortunate to have a unified team and win. I think Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco) is the best player of the match.” On Korea, his strong rival to the championship, he said, “If we can meet Korea in the final, I think it will be the best. I don’t know which side will win. First of all, we will try to make it to the final without being complacent. Korean players have good physical and mobility. If we meet, we have to play with that in mind.” Also, Gubo said, “I am the closest Korean player to Lee Kang-in. Personally, I contacted him yesterday as well. I think we are rivals on the ground. I hope we do well with each other. We play as Korean, Japanese, and Asian players in Europe. I hope we can continue to lead Asia against global soccer.”
In the first Group E match against Bahrain the following day, Lee Kang-in flew well. He scored the finisher and the decisive goal to lead Korea to a 3-1 victory. After the match, he was highly praised. Spanish media outlet As said, “He is the new king of Asian soccer. Lee proved himself to be the best soccer player in the match against Bahrain. He took out his cane and performed magic.” ESPN also praised Son Heung-min, “Finally found the perfect partner to lead Korea with. That’s Lee Kang-in.” After the match, Lee told Gubo, “He’s a good player. He has a lot of things. From my experience playing together, he is one of the best players in the world. I hope he does his best without getting hurt.”
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