South Korea<\/p>\n
By Richard Pedler<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): South Korea's record fourth Asian appearance at
\nthe finals owes much to World Cup 2002 rival Japan's generosity
\nin allowing a last-minute Iraqi equalizer, which let the Koreans
\nthrough on goal difference.<\/p>\n
In their first attempt back in 1954, the Koreans were hammered
\n9-0 by Hungary. In Mexico '86, the team was entertaining and
\nunpredictable. Four years on, one wonderful free-kick against
\nSpain was Korea's only bright moment in a series of well-drilled
\nbut dour displays, all ending in defeat. Coach Lee-Hoe-taik
\nreacted candidly to the storm of criticism back home.<\/p>\n
\"We trained on synthetic surfaces and so we didn't know how to
\ndo sliding tackles. We were not used to how the ball moved and
\nhad difficulty in controlling it. We also didn't know how to
\ntackle from behind.\" Not surprisingly, South Korea have still
\nnot won a finals match.<\/p>\n
Tactical Isolation<\/p>\n
This year's Korean side is the best prepared yet, and the
\nsquad's target is Round Two for the first time in Korean history.
\nBut tactical isolation continues because virtually no European or
\nLatin American soccer can be seen on TV. The team is one-
\ndimensional, lack of creativity resulting in predictable
\npatterns. As matches progress, opponents learn to anticipate the
\nteam's moves and Korea become vulnerable to second-half collapse.<\/p>\n
National coach Kim Ho is assisted by technical advisor Anatoli
\nByshovets (the former C.I.S. boss) in attempting to mold a team
\ncapable of holding out against Germany, Spain and Bolivia to
\nstrengthen the country's 2002 bid.<\/p>\n
Key Players<\/p>\n
World-class keeper Choi In-young is protected by the Korean
\nleague's 1992 MVP, sweeper Hong Myung-bo. The link to attack is
\nballplayer Shin Hong-gi, who will depend on his colleagues' off-
\nthe-ball running for creative opportunities. The midfield
\ncontains three converted club forwards and the Bundesliga's Kim
\nJoo-sung, twice voted Asia's player of the year and now recalled
\nfor his third World Cup.<\/p>\n
A possible star of the USA'94 team, tall striker Hwang Sun-
\nhong has finally recovered from a two-year injury which needed
\nthree operations. So the Koreans look to have a far more
\ncreative selection than ever before. Perhaps it is time for the
\nSouth of Korea to match their Northern neighbors, who crushed
\nItalian hopes in 1966.<\/p>\n
Tomorrow: Spanish Matadors<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/south-korea-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }