Battle of Revenge

“Junior fellows, Stop crying.”

After Korea lost by Japan’s come-from-behind victory, the Korean players slumped to the ground, shedding bitter and sorrowful tears at the round of 16 in the 2003 World Youth Soccer Championship (under age 20) on December 9.

Isn’t this a whim of life? Before the tears of these junior players dry, their seniors will try to take revenge for the defeat. This will happen at the match between the Korean and Japanese national teams for the first title of the 2003 East Asian Federation Cup Soccer Championship at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Yokohama Stadium in Japan.

Yoo Sang-chul, “We believe you”

Korea lost Lee Eul-yong (Anyang LG) as a price to pay for beating China 1-0. He will not be able to play against Japan because he received a red card for poor sportsmanship conduct after hitting an opponent during the match. Lee is a defensive midfielder who not only links the attack and defense together, but also shoulders the corner kicks with his accurate left foot kicking style.

Umberto Cohelo, Korea’s coach, chose “original multi player” Yoo Sang-chul (32, Yokohama F Marinos) as the substitute to fill up the empty slot. Cohelo gives the responsibility of field commander (who leads both the defense and the offense) to Yoo, the axis of the three-back defense.

Yoo, who showed off his scoring ability by heading in the winning goal at the match against China, made up his mind saying, “I already know the Japanese players thoroughly. I bet we can win.”

Which three-back is stronger?

Both Coach Cohelo and Coach Zico of Japan are adherent to the “four-back formation.” However, Cohelo who has been plagued with poor results, has been using the three-back along with four-back formations recently. He used the three-back as a winning card to increase attacking and defensive organization in this championship. Now the victory of this championship is before his eyes if he wins all the matches with no losses.

Zico also had some enjoyable time using the three-back card in this tournament since becoming the coach of Japan. Japan beat China and Hong Kong in winning two consecutive games.

Between Korea and Japan, which three-back formation will be stronger? This also depends on future national team’s operational tactics.

Sang-Ho Kim hyangsan@donga.com