Roh Sang-Rae nets two goals in K-league opener

The arrival in Korea of new national soccer team coach Guus Hiddink of the Netherlands seems to have boosted local interest in the world`s most popular sport.

The opening matches of this year`s Adidas Cup, held Sunday in four different stadiums across the nation, drew a total of 95,795 fans, thousands more than usual.

Seven of the eight teams adopted the 4-4-2 system Hiddink employs on the national team, testimony to his influence on Korean soccer. Of the nation`s 10 pro soccer clubs, only Anyang and Pusan held fast to the 3-5-2 formula.

In a contest pitting the two systems against one another, Pohang Steelers edged Anyang Cheetahs 1-0 on a goal by Zasim of Iraq. Sidelined by injury for 19 months, Koh Jung-Woon returned for the first time but was replaced just minutes into the second half. Meanwhile, back from almost four years in the Japanese League, Ha Seok-Joo showed that he hasn`t lost his touch, helping his team to a victory in their first match of the season.

The season`s first goal was fired by Kong Oh-Kyun of Taejon Citizens in its home game against Ulsan Hyundai. Kong took a pass from Kim Eun-Jung and beat the Hyundai keeper in the 30th minute of the first half.

Roh Sang-Rae of the Chunnam Dragons became the season`s first two-goal scorer in his team`s match held in Kwangyang. Known as the ``cannon shooter,`` Roh notched both goals in Chunnam`s comfortable 2-0 win over Songnam Ilhwa, whose future is in doubt due to a dispute with Songnam City Hall.

Yang Jong-Koo yjongk@donga.com