K League Proves Stronger and Better

In a "bout" between South Korea and Japan, Sungnam Ilhwa, which represented South Korean pro soccer teams, won the match, helped by the fantastic free kick shooting of Shin Tae-yong and the 40m "long-range shooting" of Kim Tae-ui.

It took place yesterday between Sungnam Ilhwa and Jubilo Iwata in Tokyo as part of A3 Championship. Sungnam won the pro league championship last year in Korea, while Jubilo in Japan. Sungnam shut out Jubilo 2-0.

Sungnam will take on a Chinese team on Feb. 19th, which also won the Chinese pro league last year.

Early in the match, Jubilo waged an all-out attack with former Japanese national team stars leading the initiative. Soon, Sungnam snatched back the initiative and led the game. Among others, Shasha and Kim Doh-hoon contributed most.

At 25`, the first goal came. Jubilo`s player made a foul against Kim rushing into the left side of Jubilo, which led to a free kick. Shin Dae-yong of Sungnam spin the free kick over the scrum into the left corner of the net.

At 75`, Shasha gave a pass all across the field from the right to Kim, whose left foot shot it into the net some 40m away from the goal post.

The A3 Championship is a venue where champs in South Korea, Japan and China compete with each other to prove which is the strongest. Representing South Korea, Sungnam participates, while Japan is represented by Jubilo and Antlers. On the other hand, Daryen Suder represents China.

Soon-Il Kwon stt77@donga.com