Korean Soccer Saved Asian Pride

In the first preliminary match in Group D, Korea won Poland two to zero, and Asian nations are celebrating Korea`s victory as if it is their victory. Indonesian, Chinese, Saudi Arabian and Hong Kong press reported the news on the first page saying "Korea saves Asian football`s pride" and their peoples went wild whenever Korea scored a goal. This unexpected enthusiasm about Korean soccer all started with total failures of other Asian participants in the World Cup. Saudi Arabia and China were defeated by Germany and Costa Rica 8 to 0 and 2 to 0, respectively. And Japan ended its play with Belgium in a tie. That is why Korea is emerging as a small hero in Asia by defeating Poland.

Indonesia`s most influential daily Compass spoke very highly of Korean players on its top headline news saying "Korea raised a status of the total Asian region. Asian people have a right to enjoy this joy and happiness." The paper also printed a photograph of thousands of Seoul citizen celebrating the victory waving Korea`s national flags on the first page reporting "Korea which participated in the World Cup match for the sixth times celebrated its first dramatic victory." Indonesian people rooted for Korea at home and restaurants and cried for joy over Korea`s victory saying "Korea got rid of those old inferior feelings of Asia towards the Western."

Hong Kong`s representative opinion paper Shinbo reported on June 5th in its editorial with a title of "Proud Korea" that Korea`s soccer is as good as its economy. Its fast recovery from the 1997 financial crisis may be a driving force behind the victory." Hong Kong`s other daily Myungbo also said, "Korea could achieve a precious victory over the strong counterpart Poland by using its three major advantages of fast speed, strong determination and confidence and homeground advantage. This is more special to Korea because the victory is in 48 years since it participated in the World Cup match. Korea definitely showed potentials of Asian soccer."

Chinese papers argued that China should follow in the footsteps of Korea and Japan, criticizing Chinese defeat by Costa Rica with only 3.7 million population. China`s representative sports daily reported that Korea and Japan changed a view about Asian soccer plays. Other Chinese papers pointed out that the Chinese football team was far behind Korea and Japan and it should learn much from the two countries." Saudi Arabia`s English daily Arab News said, "Korean national team`s soccer play was at the world`s top level in terms of teamwork, passes and attacks. Saudi`s failure was compensated with Korean team`s victory".

Jong-Dae Ha orionha@donga.com