“Strengthen Teamwork through Real Games“

"I was excited as I watched the preparation for the European World Cup teams. The only project now is to build up a best team based on the information about other teams that I had collected during this tour."

Guus Hiddinx, director of Korean World Cup team, who returned from his 4-day visit to Europe, held a press conference with full confidence at the Incheon International Airport yesterday. In the afternoon, Mr. Hiddinx climbed up Mt. Bukhan with Chung Mong-Joon, president of the Korea Football Association, to make a resolution for the World Cup year at the top of the mountain.

With regard to the North-Middle America Gold Cup Games beginning on 19th in the U.S., Mr. Hiddinx expressed his strong confidence saying "We will do our best for a good result instead of just experiencing the games."

Following is a dialogue with Mr. Hiddinx.

What did you do while you are staying in Europe?

-Taking a rest, I collected information about the Poland and Portugal teams that are included in the same groups as Korea. Portugal team is already well known but we were short of information about the Poland team. We have enough information about the U.S. since we already had a game with the U.S. and will have more game during the Gold Cup Games.

How do you judge the Poland and Portugal teams based on the information you collected?

-I can`t say details but the teams are much stronger than the Korean people have thought of .

It is said that you decided to strengthen the Gold Cup team with more defense players to substitute Shim Jae-Won and Yoo Sang-Chul…

-I will add two more players to replace the players who cannot join the Gold Cup team due to the schedule of the affiliated teams. I will make a decision after discussing with the couching staffs.

What do you think about the moves to invite North Korean players by the Korea Football Association?

-I have never heard of it. But considering the unique situation of Korea, such hope and expectation seems to arise. My basic principle is that the best players will play at the World Cup Games. If a North Korean player satisfies the principle, he may be joined. The 5 months from now on is the time for the accommodation to the team. So, I am no sure if it could really happen.

What is the training plan from now?

-Only thing we must do now is to build up teamwork through real games. In addition, we need to continue on the strategy analysis of other teams and establish countermeasures. I am convinced that all players shall join the training with firm resolution.

Keuk-In Bae bae2150@donga.com