Yongin: A group of highly motivated players put on a clinical performance for South Korea, enjoying a victorious start as the host country of a regional football tournament. Three different players found the back of the net for South Korea in their 3-0 victory over China in the opening match of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship at Yongin Mireu Stadium, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, with the absence of national team mainstays from Europe and the Middle East, head coach Hong Myung-bo called up 23 players from the domestic K League 1 and three more from Japan's J1 League for this regional tournament. With the FIFA World Cup less than a year away, this edition of the EAFF tournament carries extra significance for those Asia-based players as they try to stake their claims on spots for the World Cup squad.
South Korean attackers had numerous opportunities to impress Hong and his staff Monday night. While they did not completely dominate the run of play, finishing with only a 55-45 edge in possession, South Korea capitalized on their chances in the attacking third. Lee Dong-gyeong opened the scoring in the eighth minute on South Korea's first shot on goal, and Joo Min-kyu made it 2-0 with a 21st-minute header goal on the team's second shot on target.
Joo, the elder statesman on this team at age 35, stated that he didn't think his latest goal gave him an edge over others trying to make the World Cup team. Instead of worrying about his future national team prospects, Joo emphasized focusing on one match at a time. Joo remarked, "I always want to take care of the task at hand first, and I think the World Cup is still in the distant future."
Lee, 27, who had been in the mix for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before injury derailed his hopes, expressed his desire to participate in the upcoming World Cup. "I am sure every football player in Korea wants to play in the World Cup," he said. "I want to work hard and be the best version of myself to realize that dream."
In the second half, Lee started a play resulting in Kim Ju-sung's 3-0 goal in the 56th minute. It was the first international goal for Kim, a 24-year-old center back playing in just his fourth international match. Kim expressed satisfaction with the team's defensive performance, stating, "As a defender, I am just happy we didn't concede any goals."
Hong, a former defender himself, chose defenders he believed had a chance to make the World Cup squad next summer, making the EAFF tournament a significant test for them. Of the 10 defenders on the squad, five had no prior senior national team experience. However, given the discrepancy in talent levels, South Korea, world No. 23, is unlikely to be challenged by 153rd-ranked Hong Kong on Friday. For a more formidable test, South Korea will face 15th-ranked Japan on July 15.
With limited defensive duties, some South Korean defenders showcased their offensive skills. Left back Lee Tae-seok, who appears to have the inside track to the World Cup, was a standout, setting up Joo's first-half header with a precise cross and making dangerous forays into the attacking area.