Choi`s Gift to Himself on His Pro Soccer Debut Day

Choi Sung-kook, who is a member of South Korea`s national youth soccer team, made his first goal in his pro debut game yesterday. His goal contributed to his team, or Hyundai`s setting a new record of the longest winning streak.

The goal and the record came out in the season opener of the Samsung Hauzen 2003 Pro Soccer League. The game took place in Gwangju between Woolsan Hyundai and Sangmoo Phoenix. At 61`, Choi scored a game-winning goal, brushing off three defenders with his excellent dribbling. Thus, his team won 1-0.

After dropping out of Korea University, Choi joined the pro league this year. Upon his debut, he scored a goal, which in turn helped his team to add one more win and set a new record. Thus, Hyundai becomes the "title holder" in the race for consecutive wins with its nine-game winning streak.

Right upon the beginning of the latter half, Choi was sent in, substituting for Chun Jae-woon. 16 minutes after his entry, he dashed and breached into the defense line and shook the net with his right-foot shooting. Sangmoo, which first debuted in the pro with its hometown in Gwangju, had to swallow the bitter loss.

In Daegu, Daegu FC made its first pro debut against the powerful opponent Suwon Samsung. Despite its spirited performance, it lost the game to Samsung 0-1.

Over 45,000 soccer fans packed the Daegu stadium yesterday, setting another record. Prior to yesterday, or on July 21, 2002, 42,280 people visited Suwon World Cup stadium. In the meanwhile, in Pohang, Anyang LG and Pohang Steelers fought hard against each other. But the 4-3 victory went to Anyang.

A Brazilian player of Anyang, Ricardo, scored a goal at 9` off a ball passed by Jin Soon-jin. His goal is the first official goal for this season. Jin also scored two, and assisted one. Choi Tae-wook of Anyang contributed to his team`s victory with 2 assists.

Aiming at its third championship in a row, Sungnam Ilhwa beat Daejun Citizens with Kim Do-hoon`s goal at 89`, and Busan Icons shut out Buchon SK 1-0.

In total, 143,981 people, or 23,997 per game, visited soccer stadiums nationwide, the highest number mobilized on the season opening day.

Soon-Il Kwon stt77@donga.com