Lee Cheon-Su – Owen, Crash of `Youngsters`

The Korean national soccer team’s `Young Gun` Lee Cheon-Su (21. Ulsan Hyundai) and the English national football team’s `Wonder Boy` Michael Owen (23. Liverpool).

Korea-England evaluation match, which will take place at Seogwipo World Cup Stadium, Jeju, on the 21st, is to highlight on the showdown of the two `resembling stars`.

Lee and Owen have many things in common. First of all, they are the teams’ representative `youngsters`. The fact that they are both relatively short is similar too, as Lee is 1 meter 72 and Owen 1 meter 75. Also in offense, the two have a common characteristic, as they use quick speed of early-11 second (Lee) and 10 seconds 8 (Owen) in 100 meter-dash to make decisive penetration. Only that Lee is an extravert person and Owen is an introvert one.

Of course, Lee is much inferior in the international field. Who is Owen? He is the rookie star, who established himself as a hero at the 1998 France World Cup while he was only 19. Fans still remember the moment when he overrode 3 Argentine defenders to score the goal. Even in this World Cup’s preliminary, he recorded a hat-trick during the German match and led a 5-1 victory, eventually taking the team into the finals. In comparison, Lee even had to fight for the start-up position within the team.

However, `fearless youngster` Lee refuses to accept the difference that comes from such comparison. He is confident that it will be a good match, since the two are in similar height and speed.

¡°I know Owen. But he doesn’t know me. I’ll show what kind of player I am this time.¡° affirmed Lee. He, especially, is aiming to prepare a stepping-stone for the European soccer, which he personally desires earnestly, by displaying his unique fearless play.

Lee had scored the first goal during the Scottish match on the 16th by dribbling past defenders and goalkeeper at the 14th minute of the first half. He finally overcame injury, and is currently making his way up.

Owen also seems determined. He actually knows little about the Korean team. He only knows that the team is inferior. However, after hearing foreign press that the Korean soccer is rapidly advancing under the command of manager Guus Hiddink, he feels he cannot be careless. Besides, the team’s captain David Beckham is injured, and the position has been given to him for this evaluation match, which adds more responsibility.

“The Korean match is a good opportunity for us to raise concentration. We want to have a good match here, and move to Japan for victory,” said Owen.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com