Historical Moment in Korean Football: Jens Castrop with Dual Nationality Wears the Taeguk Mark
Jens Castrop, a mixed-race player from Germany and Korea, has been selected for the Korean national football team. This marks the first time that a player with dual nationality has been called up to the Korean national team among male players.
On the 25th, Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the Korean national football team, unveiled the roster for the upcoming A-match friendly series against the United States and Mexico in September at the Korea Football Association headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Born to a German father and a Korean mother, Castrop had the opportunity to represent the Korean national team after changing his affiliation from the German Football Association (DFB) to the Korea Football Association (KFA).
The national team, led by Hong Myung-bo, will face the United States on the 7th of next month at 6 AM (Korea time) at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, and will play against Mexico at Geodis Park in Tennessee on the 10th at 10 AM.
Returning Players and New Faces Fill the National Team
In addition to Castrop, this roster includes several notable players.
Jung Sang-bin (St. Louis City) will don the Taeguk mark again after about 4 years and 3 months since the second qualifying round for the 2022 Qatar World Cup in June 2021. Additionally, goalkeeper Kim Seung-kyu (FC Tokyo), who had not participated in the national team since October of last year due to injury, is also making a comeback.
Kim Tae-hyun (Kashima Antlers) and Byeon Jun-soo (Gwangju FC), who made their A-match debuts during the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship held last month, have also been named to this roster.
These players will gain valuable experience on the international stage through matches against strong teams like the United States and Mexico.
The Korean national football team is scheduled to depart for the United States via Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 1st of next month, play the two matches, and return on the 11th. This friendly series is expected to be an important opportunity for Coach Hong Myung-bo to assess the team's strength and explore the potential of new players.
September Roster for the Men's National Football Team Friendly Matches (26 Players)
Image Source: instagram 'jenscastrop', instagram 'js_world__'
