Team Korea’s Roster List Announced

On September 26, Pim Verbeek, the head coach of the Korean national football team, announced the new squad of 31 players for the upcoming friendly match against Ghana scheduled on October 8 and the qualifying match for the 2007 Asian Cup against Syria, scheduled on October 11. Having their recent strong performances in the K-League appreciated, new faces such as Yeom Ki-hun (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Oh Jang-eun (Daegu FC), and Kim Chi-woo (Incheon United) were chosen for Team Korea.

“Football genius” Park Chu-young (FC Seoul), still in a deep slump, is excluded again from the national team. He has failed to have his name on the squad since the last qualifying match for the 2007 Asian Cup versus Taiwan. Cha Du-ri (1. FSV Mainz 05) has been chosen again as a defender while Park Ji-sung (Manchester United) is left out due to injury.

Team Squad-

Goalkeepers: Lee Woon-jae (Suwon Samsung), Kim Yong-dae (Seongnam Ilhwa), Kim Young-kwang (Chunnam Dragons), Jung Sung-ryong (Pohang Steelers)

Defenders: Kim Young-chul, Kim Sang-sik, Jang Hack-yong (Seongnam Ilhwa), Jung In-hwan (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Cho Won-hee, Song Chong-gug (Suwon Samsung), Kim Chi-gon (FC Seoul), Kim Chi-woo (Incheon United), Kim Dong-jin (FC Zenit), Lee Young-pyo (Tottenham Hotspur), Kim Jin-kyu (Jubilo Iwata), Cha Du-ri (1. FSV Mainz 05)

Mid-fielders: Kim Nam-il, Baek Ji-hoon (Suwon Samsung), Kim Doo-hyun (Seongnam Ilhwa), Oh Beom-seok (Pohang Steelers), Kwon Jip (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Oh Jang-eun (Daegu FC), Lee Ho (FC Zenit), Kim Jung-woo (Nagoya Grampus Eight)

Forwards: Lee Chun-soo, Choi Sung-kuk, Lee Jong-min (Ulsan Hyundai), Jung Jo-gook (FC Seoul), Yeom Ki-hun (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Seol Ki-hyeon (Reading FC), Cho Jae-jin (Shimizu S-Pulse)

bluesky@donga.com