Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) returns to Korea after six years.

The Korean national soccer team, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, will play a friendly match against Uruguay at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 28th at 8:00 p.m.

In November of last year, Korea met Uruguay in the first game of the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played well at the time and recorded a 0-0 draw. It was also a game that saw the hope of advancing to the round of 16.

In terms of opponents, Korea lags behind. They met a total of 9 times and recorded 1 win, 2 draws and 6 losses. It is an absolute inferiority, but the recent trend is that Korea is better. They won their first win against Uruguay in 2018 and drew in the World Cup. After 6 consecutive losses, they have an advantage with 1 win and 1 draw.

Uruguay met again after about 4 months. Blocking Valverde is essential for Klinsmann’s first win. Valverde, who plays in Uruguay’s midfield, is evaluated as an outstanding midfielder worldwide. He is also a key player in his team, Real Madrid. In the recent evaluation match against Japan, he tasted a goal.

That’s why it is the number 1 target in Korea. Kim Min-jae (Napoli) also picked Uruguay as a key player at a press conference held the day before, saying, “He is a very good player,” and “A player that midfielders and defenders should be most wary of.”

The relationship with Korea is not very welcome. Valverde visited Korea to participate in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Although he performed brilliantly at the time, he was embroiled in a racist controversy. He performed an act of tearing out his eyes with both hands while celebrating.

Valverde published his apology as the controversy grew. However, he acted rather provocatively, such as putting his hands to his ears at the booing of Korean fans. Fans who doubted the sincerity of the apology also booed at the Silver Ball award ceremony. Valverde smiled at the booing directed at him.

After that, a reunion between Korea and Valverde took place in the last World Cup. At the end of the 0-0 game, Valverde prevented Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) from breaking through with a tackle. Afterwards, he roared and punched him. He was an excessive action that is not easily seen in a situation where the weight of the match is not slanted.

The clash with Lee Kang-in continued in his team. In February, Valverde made a rough tackle on Lee Kang-in during a contest. He made a giddy scene as he attempted a tackle from behind. The referee also gave him a warning card. 스포츠토토

Valverde, who has accumulated such a bad relationship, faces South Korea in Seoul. His tickets to Uruguay have already been sold out. More than 60,000 spectators enthusiastically cheered for Korea. His every move is also a subject of interest.

The team is determined to focus on the game rather than bad performances. Kim Min-jae emphasized that “Valverde had a bad situation with Korea,” but that he “must not contain emotions.” He promised victory, saying, “You shouldn’t care whether Valverde does well or not,” and “Winning the game is the best revenge.”