`Lacking, But Well Fought!`

It was a dramatic tying goal that was made by 47million Korean people`s cheering on Sejongno, City Hall square and all over the country despite the rainy weather. Taeguk warriors did all they can, and the whole nation shouted "Dae-han-min-guk! (Republic of Korea)" until the voices were hoarse.

2002 Korea-Japan World Cup group D match between Korea and US was held on Taegu World cup stadium on 10th. The first goal made by Clint Mathis at 24 minute of the first half was not cancelled out until `cutie` Ahn Jungwhan (26, Perugia, Italy) scored by a beautiful header at 33 minute of the second half. Hence Korea has same results, 1 win & 1 draw, with the US but the number of goals ranks the team 1st. The road to the final 16 seems favorable.

Korea will have the last match of the group on 14th at Incheon, with Portugal and even a draw will probably take the team to the final 16. Korea was dominating the match, but had a bad luck in shoots, and the American team scored in advance. But with the nation`s fervent cheering, the team scored even.

At 24 min of the first half, when Hwang Sunhong was being medically treated for the wound on his brow out side the ground, Clint Mathis was allowed to penetrate the defense line and to score. The Korean team was making a counterattack on its full throttle, and had a chance to get even when Jeff Agoos fouled and Lee Eulyong kicked the penalty kick, but the GK, Friedel grasped the ball.

During the second half, Hwang Sunhong and Yoo Sangchul was exchanged with Ahn Jungwhan and Choi Youngsu and the team took the offensive, but the goal was not easy for 33 minutes. The free kick by Lee Eulyong from the center of the mid-field allowed a chance for Ahn Jungwhan to make the goal by a header before Agoos could lay his hands on the ball.

There were several chances during one sided attacks, but with a bad luck at the shoots, the tide of the game was not turned.