`Young Guns` Hold Key in Korea-U.S. Showdown

"Rookies are ready to play their best."

Speed will be the key point in the June 10th clash between Korea and U.S. In particular, the two group D underdogs now topping the standing boast `young guns` who have displayed their spectacular speed and vigor from the both wings. This is why many now believe their fate in Daegu rests upon youthful shoulders.

Though the U.S. team, 29.1 years old in average, is considered relatively decrepit compared with their 27.1-year-old opponents, their scorers are mostly in their early 20`s.

In particular, Landon Donovan and Darmacus Beasley, two flank players in tender 20, are the core of attacking squad and often destabilize opponents` defense with their speed. In fact, they gave a bitter 2-1 defeat to Korea earlier this year during the Gold Cup tournament by scoring the first and second goal respectively.

In their first match against Portugal, they pressed well on the both flanks. Beasley posed a constant threat with his sprinter`s pace, running past one or two defenders easily. Donovan, who has quick decision-making skills as well as a nose for goal and speed, looked more like a veteran.

For Korea, how well two versatile midfielders Lee Eul-yong (27) and Song Jong-guk (23) press against the U.S. penetration will be the key to their victory. Song, who will shadow Beasley throughout the game, is expected to play a crucial role by helping forwarder Park Ji-sung in the right as well as playing in defense.

Seol Gi-hyeon (23) and Park Ji-sung (21) are two young talented players to outperform their U.S. counterparts Beasley and Donovan. Seol, a 1.84 meter and 73km big-built striker did his bit well in the match against Poland, making his way through pressure from Polish defenders. He is most likely to continue dominating the left wing along with veteran striker Hwang Sun-hong on the center, unless Hwang`s minor injury requires some adjustment in the frontline.

Park Ji-sung is a rising star in Korea who is said to be reaching `his prime years.` Having scored for Korea in its two pre-Cup matches with England and France, he continued to distinguish himself during the first World Cup finals match, crisscrossing the field.

Already drawing keen eyes of European professional teams such as Peruza, Italy, his speed and pressing-through makes him a world-class player. "I am uncompromising when it comes to power and speed," said the young gun of the crucial battle with the U.S. "I will be everywhere and as quick as I can be to shake the American defense."

Knowing power will be pivotal to the match in sweltering hit, Guus Hiddink, Korea`s Dutch coach, has also placed young talented players like Lee Cheon-soo (21) and Choi Tae-wook (21) on the backup-line.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com