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| APYonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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A strong competitor has emerged to take away Lee Kang-in's role.
France's Le10 Sport reported on the 18th (Korea time) 'Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) does not have a kicker dedicated to free kicks'
For Le10 Sport, Nunu Mendes scored a great goal while `Vitinya, Hakimi, and Lee Kang-in all tested their luck, and it's João Neves' turn to prove his ability. PSG boasts a wealth of talent in the squad. PSG had highly technical players who could shine on passes or mid-range shots. However, there is no kicker dedicated to free kicks. They prefer indirect free kicks such as Lee Kang-in and Vitinha. PSG players rarely made a direct free kick. Menseth and Hakimi also stood out.'
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| APYonhap News |
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Then 'Neves played brilliantly in Portugal. The Portuguese prospect, who is free to volley, header and even acrobatic bike kicks, showed a fantastic free-kick against Armenia. How many weeks will I get a chance as a kicker on PSG? The possibility is open, he added.
Portugal's national team, led by head coach Roberto Martinez, won 9-1 against Armenia in the sixth round of Group F of the 2026 North-China World Cup at the Istadiu Dudra River in Porto, Portugal on the 16th.
Neves did a great job. Neves, who scored in the 30th, 41st and 36th minutes of the first half, scored a hat trick to lead the team to a great victory. Neves' overwhelming performance was the second goal scene. Neves confidently stepped up as a kicker in a free kick from the front of the penalty box. The Armenian defense built a dense wall, but Neves' sensational shot went straight over the wall and hit the post and headed into the goal. It was a perfect shot that the goalkeeper couldn't even react to.
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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Along with Neves' free-kick score, interest in the PSG free-kick kicker is also growing. PSG's players have been steadily taking turns in free kicks. Lee Kang-in was one of them. Lee Kang-in, who has excellent kicks, was almost in charge of corner kicks when he was put on the field, and he often took charge of free kicks. However, there was little opportunity for some players, including Hakimi and Mendes, to play actively in scenes where they could try shooting themselves. If Neves plays as a kicker in charge of free kicks, there is a possibility that Lee Kang-in will not be able to play the main role in the team.
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in is said to have awakened with his recent performance. Foot Mercato of France 'Lee Kang-in's awakening is welcomed by PSG and South Korea. Lee Kang-in almost left the team last summer. Having stayed with the club, he praised his recent performance earlier this season, saying he finally regained his performance.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
