South Korean Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu Misses Daughter's Birth During World Cup Camp

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu said he missed the birth of his first child while preparing with the national team in Mexico, apologizing to his family during a news conference Wednesday. The 35-year-old, who plays for FC Tokyo, said he was devastated not to be present for the delivery. Kim told reporters in Zapopan that he hopes to compensate by bringing good results from the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Yonhap News Agency reported that head coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to give the starting goalkeeper role to Kim rather than Jo Hyeon-woo. Kim has earned 86 caps for South Korea and indicated this tournament could be his last World Cup. South Korea faces Czech Republic in their opening Group F match on Thursday.