Cross the River Rhine towards Yokohama

Down and out, injury-stricken, but the team is determined to continue making history. Korea will face Germany in a semi-final match in Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 25. And the winner of the game will fly to Yokohama, Japan to compete over the World Cup trophy with either Brazil or Turkey.

Win or lose, they will leave the pitch with their heads held high. Korea has more than proved its worth on the global stage. Both ‘Taegeuk worriors’ and ‘red supporters’ will once again do their best until the referee blows the whistle to end the game.

Germany is a heavyweight who won the Cup three times in the past. It is ranked the 11th in FIFA and won the last match with Korea 3-2 back in the 1994 U.S. World Cup. Including its crushing 8-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, the Germans scored 18 goals against Asian teams in World Cup final matches, and allowed only three goals.

Strangely, however, it’s Germany that seems more worried. They will face fighting spirit of Korean team that holds the world in awe. With the mentality, they beat European favorites, Portugal, Italy and Spain.

Hong Myung-bo, captain of the team who is retiring from international games following this World Cup, said that he is ready to do his utmost with do-or-die spirit. The kind of determination is also shared by his younger teammates who will continue their carrier through the 1996 Germany World Cup.

And roaring chants of ‘Dae~ Han Min Guk (Republic of Korea)’ and ‘Oh, Pilseung Korea (Korea’s sure to win)’ will once again echo through every corner of the nation, giving our Taegeuk warriors strength to fight on.

“Let’s go to Yokohama!”

Keuk-In Bae bae2150@donga.com