`Triangular-Formation, High-Altitue Attack` Shakes Japan`s Defense

There is higher mental pressure than when we played in Japan, but we will present a hot game play to shake off the dullness of recent Korean soccer and the anxiety of our people due to the damage caused by the typhoon.”(Kim Ho-gon, Manager of Korean Team)

“We suffered fierce offensive play of the Korean team in the last match. I am aware that speed and individual performance of Korean players is excellent, but we will end the match with our victory” (Yamamoto Masakuni, Manager of Japanese Team)

“Everlasting Rival” Korea and Japan will face each other again after 56 days at Sangam World Cup Stadium, Seoul, on the 17th at 5:00PM, and both teams` coaching staffs are determined to win the game.

Korean Team manager Kim Ho-gon`s is unsatisfied with the result of last game on July 23rd where the match tied 1-1 after scoring first, and his weapon this time is the powerful offensive line. He seemed satisfied with the weight sensation of the offense line after completion of preparation for the match on the 16th.

The manager is counting on Namgung Do (Jeonbuk Hyundai) who plays for the first time in the Olympics Team. Jeong Jo-guk (Anyang LG), Jo Jae-jin (Gwangju Sangmu) and Choi Seong-guk were the fixed strikers so far, and the defenders of the opponent team are very aware of their movements.

Tall player Namgung Do of 185cm is taking sides with them in such situation, which will result in selective plays of the 3 tall strikers according to different situations, who are the same height but show different play style.

Manager Kim said, “Namgung Do`s performance is proven already since he is the starting member of the professional team.” He also added, “He is a tall player with excellent stamina, and will be able to shake the defenders.”

The manager also moved Kim Du-heon (Suwon Samsung) who took the role of play maker in the 1st game to left middle fielder, and Kim Jeong-woo (Ulsan) is now supposed to tune the game in the center. Jo Byeong-guk will be positioned in the center of the defense line, with Jo Seong-hwan (Suwon) and Park Yong-ho (Anyang) at left and right respectively.

Also, there is modification in the strategy. The Olympic Team has been using the `3-4-3` formation as the basic so far, but there will be changes according to the variation of the opponent team, using `3-5-2` with 2 tops.

As for Japan, Suzuki Geita will not play since he is suffering injury, but there is the `next generation rider` Okubo Yoshito (Sereso Osaka) and Dakamatsu Daiki (Oita) as 2 top to `defeat Korea` this time. Korea shows predominance in the overall record of 3-2-3 (win-draw-loss), but is showing inferiority after 1999 with 0-1-2.

Sang-Ho Kim hyangsan@donga.com