Cho Wi-je #14

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A late, late inclusion in the squad after Cho Yu-min left the training camp in tears having torn the plantar fascia in his right heel just days before the tournament. As he left, Yu-min said: “I wanted to help the team and couldn't, so I'm sorry. I'll carry all the bad luck that the team may face back to Korea with me and leave behind only the passion that I prepared with.” Just six months ago, the 2001-born centre-back was operating in the relative obscurity of the domestic second tier, anchoring a mid-table defence for Busan IPark. Yet, his raw, multi-faceted profile caught the eye of the nation’s heavyweight elite. A winter transfer to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors followed, bringing with it a whirlwind call-up to the national team’s pre-tournament training camp. Cho, who chose to major in logistics and statistical information during his university days, told reporters in the United States: "This situation feels surreal and unbelievable. It’s hard to feel happy when my heart is heavy for Yu-min. I know no words can console someone in this situation. The rest of us performing well will be the best way to comfort him."

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