(LEAD) (Asian Cup) Left back's 1st int'l goal sends S. Korea to quarterfinals

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 22 (Yonhap) -- When Kim Jin-su was selected for South Korea's 23-man squad for the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup, some fans had doubts.

That's because Kim was the only player who had not played a single competitive match under new head coach Paulo Bento, who took the helm in August. And for a player who returned from a big knee injury, expectations were not high.

However, Kim washed away fans' doubts and became a hero on Tuesday as he sent South Korea to the quarterfinals with his first international goal.

Kim scored his international debut goal in South Korea's 2-1 win over Bahrain in the Asian Cup round of 16 match at Rashid Stadium in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Entering the pitch in the 96th minute in the first half extra time, replacing starting left back Hong Chul, Kim headed down a Lee Yong cross in the 107th, which turned out to be a crucial winner for the Taeguk Warriors.

For Kim, it was his first international goal in 37 matches. He made the senior men's national team debut in July 2013, but went through a tough time to return to the national team.

Kim was considered a lock as the starting left back for South Korea at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but his dreams were dashed by a knee injury in a friendly match against Northern Ireland on March 24, 2018. Kim's medical checkup later showed that he suffered medial collateral ligament damage to his left knee.

It was a big blow for Kim, who also missed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil at the last minute due to an ankle injury.

After going through a long course of rehabilitation, Kim returned to the field in late October and played for his club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, the 2018 K League 1 champions.

But getting into Bento's national team was another matter. He did manage to earn national team selection in December for the Asian Cup training, but chances appeared to be slim as Hong and Park Joo-ho were then considered solid left backs for Bento.

However, after an impressive performance in South Korea's training camp in Ulsan, Kim was able to earn Bento's selection over Park and grabbed an opportunity to compete in his second Asian Cup.

"I know many people had doubts when I joined this squad," Kim said after the match. "But this goal gave me a good opportunity. We're only through the round of 16, so I will try to play a better game next."

Against Bahrain, Kim sat on the bench as Hong was the starting left back. But Kim said he was ready to do his job when he got the chance to play.

"The players on the bench said whoever enters the pitch, he should be ready to perform," he said. "I was told to move aggressively into the box. I have been thinking what I should I do in that attacking situation. Fortunately, the ball came to me and it was fortunate for me to score."

After finding the net, Kim put the ball under his shirt and sucked his thumb, which was for his pregnant wife.

"My wife is pregnant, that's why I did that goal celebration," he said. "I call my baby 'J' because me and my wife both have the letter 'J' in our names."

Kim and his teammates also celebrated by showing a jersey of Ki Sung-yueng, who had to withdraw from the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

"Ki had to leave in the middle of this tournament, and I know how painful it is," Kim said. "The players were determined to compete for Ki."

Kim said he didn't think about South Korea losing to Bahrain even though they did surrender a goal in the second half.

"I knew there was going to be a tough moment," he said. "But we did collect a win and I'm happy for that. We'll only celebrate for tonight because we will have to prepare for the next match."

kdon@yna.co.kr
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