Ahn has 4 goals, 4 assists in 1 game

Korean soccer star Ahn Jung-Hwan, who joined Perguia of the Italian Series A team, exploded with four goals and four assists in a practice game on August 3.

In a game with third-division team Bormeo, Ahn recorded one goal and two assists in the first half and followed with three goals and two assists, leading the team to a 12-0 drubbing.

In the game, played through heavy rain, Ahn was positioned as an attacking left midfielder and played all 90 minutes. Perugia coach Cosmi nodded in approval of Ahn`s sharp goal-scoring and accurate assists.

Ahn had played in a practice match with second-division Monchai on July 31 for 45 minutes, and this was his second insertion into a game in four days. Owing to his exceptional performance, Ahn may start in the opening game of the 2000-2001 Italian soccer season on October 1.

After the game, reporters praised Ahn`s performance with bravos, while Perugia`s owner expressed his satisfaction by saying that Ahn was a most promising player.

Although the opposing team was a weak one, following his first goal in the 33rd minute of the first half, Ahn scored again in the 16th and 23rd minutes of the second half, recording a hat trick. In the second half, Ahn was given directions by the coach to take a penalty in the 35th minute and got his fourth goal with a carefully placed shot.

"I am now completely adapted to the time difference,¡± Ahn said. ¡°My condition has not reached its peak, but the game was pretty easy, as teamwork has started to click."

Kwon Soon-Il stt77@donga.com