Return of the Stork

``It is a very common story that a soccer player returns to the national team in his thirties. But in case of Hwang Son-Hong, it is very unique because he has drawn a huge attention unlike other players. A bit of question and a big expectation……``

Japan`s weekly `Soccer Magazine` carried the special story about Hwang Son-Hong (Kasiwa Raysol) before the Confederation Cup.

This magazine praised Hwang saying that ``Kim Do-Hoon and Seol Ki-Hyon are excellent strikers, but Hwang Son-Hong is the only player who can lead the second offensive line keeping the ball at the front-line. Sometimes elegantly, sometimes powerfully…… His dashing at the opponent’s goal gate is just like his nickname `Stork`.``

Hwang has elicited simultaneously the expectations and the worries. He is the best player among the National Team members who can lead the team with the rich experiences and the broad view of soccer. But his age (over thirty) and the jinx of the injury have provoked doubts about his potential.

Hwang has shown an outstanding performance in the game with Cameroon on 25th. Hwang was replaced by Yoon Jung-Hwan in the second half. As soon as he entered the game, the offensive line began to move dynamically. Hwang Son-Hong created the opportunity to score keeping his position in the center of the Cameroon`s robust defensive line. Hwang set up the various offensive routes. The offense of Korean team, which had been inclined to the attack on the right side, began to open up.

With the excellent plays, Head Coach Hiddink began to trust Hwang. Hence, Hwang has insured his position in the game with France on 30th. He has also taken the lead in the daily team practice in Taegu. Nevertheless, he has not lost his tension.

``The reality bites. I would be ousted from the national team if I am injured or if my strength markedly decreased. Hence, I try my best in every game, regarding it as my last game.``

Hwang Son-Hong had engraved his name in the hearts of his fans with a heading goal in the game with Japan in the Asian Cup in Dec. 1988. And he had enhanced his fame as a representative striker of Asia, playing in World Cup three times in a row with the Italy World Cup in 1990.

But he has been evaluated that his prime time has passed since his injury just before the France World Cup. It is in this context that he has promised himself to spark his last flame, keeping his number 18 in the national team for the last 13 years.

Hwang has a lot of huddles leading up to the 2002 World Cup. His shoulder and waist were not cured completely, and further he has to compete in the team with the new generation of young strikers like Lee Dong-Gook, An Jung-Hwan and Seol Ki-Hyon.

Will the soccer life of a `stork` have a happy ending?

Bae Keuk-In bae2150@donga.com