Park Scores Season`s 2nd in Champions League Win

Park Ji-sung scored his second goal of the season yesterday to help Manchester United advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Against AC Milan at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Park scored in the 59th minute in the 4-0 win that gave the Red Devils an aggregate 7-2 victory over the two legs.

Wayne Rooney scored the first two goals and Darren Fletcher put in the final score.

After the game, Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson praised the Korean’s play. “Park was the key to our game,” he told MUTV. “We can talk about Rooney – and he was great – but Park’s discipline, intelligence and sacrifice won us the match tactically.”

Park played in central midfield instead of on the flanks. Ferguson apparently put him there to contain Milan’s Andrea Pirlo since Park is active and good at defense.

A soccer commentator constantly praised Park in the game, saying, “Park has deleted Pirlo.” British media said Pirlo got tired because of Park’s tireless play, giving United got a boost.

Park ran all over the field in covering 11.88 kilometers, second on his team after Fletcher’s 11.94 kilometers. He frustrated opposing defenders with deep offensive penetration from behind.

He also showed his versatility by making accurate passes to offensive players including Rooney.

niceshin@donga.com