Hwang Son-Hong-Kim Do-Hoon, ``Power Two Top ``

Hwang Son-Hong (33, Kashiwa Reysol) and Kim Do-Hoon (31, Chonbuk Hyundai)

Two great players are the representative strikers of the Korean team. Both have almost the same physical features (Hwang 1m83, 79kg, Kim 1m82, 77kg), and the similar play style of attacking and scoring ability. Hence, when one plays as a starting member, the other wait in the bench. Both have not had a chance to attune each other in the game.

At the 1998 France World Cup, Kim Do-Hoon played as a starting striker because of Hwang`s injury, and he has played as a starter since Head Coach Hiddink took charge of the team in the beginning of this year.

But while the Korean team was completely defeated in opening game with the French team at the 2001 Confederation Cup on 30th last month, Hwang Son-Hong was the only player who could disturb the opponent defensive line. It means that the experienced player can create more opportunities.

Hence, Head Coach Hiddink who realized the importance of Hwang in the previous game, is anticipated to employ the two-top system in which both Hwang Son-Hong and Kim Do-Hoon play in the forefront of the offensive line.

Both played together as a `two-top` in the practice game which was held in preparation for the game with Mexico, and resulted the well-balanced performance and scored alternately. Their harmonious play surely impressed Hiddink.

Hwang Son-Hong, who had won the scoring title in the J League of Japan, recorded 45 goals in 87 A-match games, and Kim Do-Hoon recorded 19 goals in 53 games. Especially, Hwang has been paralleled to Klinsmann who was praised as the best goal-getter of Germany since he scored a goal in game with Germany at the 1994 US World Cup.

Head Coach Hiddink is seriously considering the two-top system of Hwang and Kim as one of plans to lead the Korean team up to the world level.

Kwon Soon-Il stt77@donga.com