Cutdown Day Looms for World Cup Squad

The fateful day approaches for those who hope to be included on the final active roster of the Korean national soccer team entering the 2006 German World Cup. As the announcement of the final entry will be made on May 11, the team’s manager Dick Advocaat says there will be no surprises, adding that he has but “one percent” of contemplating left to do.

The “one percent” of contemplation remains as a variable. As Advocaat made it clear that however talented a player might be, he would not be going to Germany if he hasn’t been playing in his respective league with some consistency. But all things considered, the bark will turn out to be bigger than the bite. When you are picking a handful of players that will play well in the big game, the name value is not as easily dismissible. Here is our pick for the 23 people that are likely to get on the plane to Germany.

The offensive line will most likely consist—from left—Park Ju-young (FC Seoul), Seol Ki-hyun (Wolverhampton), Jo Jae-jin (Shimizu S-Pulse), Ahn Jung-hwan (Duiburg), and Lee Chun-su (Ulsan Hyundai). As for midfielders, Park Ji-sung (Manchester United) and Kim Du-hyeon (Seongnam Ilhwa) at the offensive center; Kim Nam-il (Suwon Samsung) and Lee Eul-ryong (Trabzonspor) at the defensive left; and Lee Ho (Ulsan Hyundai) will likely fill the spot on the right. For defenders, Lee Young-pyo (Tottenham Hotspurs) and Kim Dong-jin (Seoul); Kim Young-cheol and Kim Sang-shik (Seongnam); and Choi Jin-cheol (Jeonbuk Hyundai) and Kim Jin-gyu (Jubile Iwata); and Jo Won-hee (Suwon) are the expected combination.

Coach Pim Verbeek presented a variable by mentioning possible inclusion of Cha Du-ri when he said, “We might pick him for his experience in 2002 World Cup and his potential.” However, his joining would cause another player to drop out of the squad. If Cha is picked to play the backup for the right attacker Lee Chun-su, Jeong Gyeong-ho (Gwangju Sangmu) will be dropped. Jeong Gyeong-ho might fill the right attacker’s position replacing Song Jong-guk (Suwon), who is currently going through an injury issue. Considering their recent performances, it seems logical to pick Jeong for the right attacker position, and make Cha take Song’s place.

For right defensive midfielder Lee Ho’s backup role, Baik Ji-hun (Seoul) and Kim Jeong-wu (Nagoya Grampus) are being considered. TV sports commentators picked versatile Baik to be the ideal candidate, while the technical advisors at the football association like Kim Jeong-wu better because he is stronger in defense. Under Advocaat’s leadership, Baik was favored for his ability to use both feet freely.

There are debates going on as to whether Kim Byung-ji (Seoul) is the right choice for a backup goalie. On the scale of performance alone, many agree that Kim is better than young Jo Jun-ho (Jeju United). Experts say that the veteran goalie would spark a sense of rivalry in Lee Wun-jae (Suwon), whose position in the team is locked. But there are others who think Kim is too eccentric for Advocaat who favors stability over style. It could also cause tension in the pecking order of the team, where the current captain Lee Wun-jae would have a senior Kim Byung-ji under his command.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com