[Sydney 2000]Korea loses 3-0 to Spain

Spain beat Korea 3 to 0, as the first preliminary soccer match of the B group in the Sydney Olympic Games was held between Korea and Spain on September 14 at the Adelaid Hindemasy Stadium.

For the Korean team, it was a disappointing case of inadequacy in overall strategy as well as the mid-field defense and offensive point rush control. Blunders in the mid-field and defense led to Spain's three goals in the first half and the victory in the match.

The first goal was scored when Ko Jong-Soo was unable to block Toni Velamazan and allowed a mid-range shot. The second goal resulted from a bungled pass between Kim Do-Kyun and Kim Sang-Sik. The third goal resulted from a mis-kick by Park Ji-Sung.

In a surprising alteration from the previous day's strategy, Kim Sang-Sik, who was supposed to mark out Spain's play maker Xabi for a one-to-one defense, was placed as a stopper, and Park Ji-Sung was placed in the mid-field for defense. However, with Spain having gotten the first goal, Kang Chul replaced Kim Sang-Sik's position, and Park Ji-Sung replaced Kang Chul in an an aimless flurry of changes.

With the defense strategy in disarray, rare chances at a counteroffensive were cut short by inefficiency in passing, and the much touted Lee Chun-Soo could not overcome his lack of experience in the major international games. Play maker Ko Jong-Su seemed heavy-footed and unable to fully utilize his skill.