Coelho Soccer Beginning to Shine

Finally, the Coelho soccer is beginning to give us a chance to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Korean national soccer team, which is led by Umberto Coelho, beat its rival Japan 1-0 Saturday in Tokyo. Last time, or April 16th, the Korean team lost a home game to Japan in Seoul. So far, the Korean teams have had eight Tokyo away games, and lost none of them. Historically, two countries have taken on each other more than 60 times, and South Korea has won 38 games and tied other 17.

The victory heralded the start of the Coelho soccer in earnest. Coelho has taken three games since his taking the helm. The first goal and first victory came out yesterday. But it means more than just a victory. It signals the beginning of the Coelho style soccer.

The defeat of the Japanese team headlined in major Japanese newspapers yesterday, giving an indirect tribute to Korea`s victory.

▽Thorough analysis and preparations

To revenge on the previous defeat, Coelho planned to employ Choi Yong-soo up on the front, and Seol Kee-hyun and Cha Doo-ri on either side. He also planned another formation in which Ahn Jung-hwan takes the place of Choi, and Lee Chun-soo and Cha take the sides.

To slow down the Japanese players, Coelho put out powerful and speedy Seol and Cha in the lineup. In the latter half, Coelho let Ahn and Lee play, since they have good techniques. The goal Ahn made with 4:00 left to the end was a brainchild of such a thorough strategy.

Coelho also changed the operation of the middle field. To make dull the sophisticated passing of the Japanese players, Coelho had one of the defensive midfielder join the attack. Thus, the formation became to 4-5-1, instead of 4-2-3-1. Multi-player Yoo Sang-chul and Lee Eul-yong supported the attack in the mid-field, and Kim Nam-il assisted defense in the same position. As a result, the Korean team began to conquer the midfield some time after the start of the latter half.

▽Powerful stamina and pressing strategy acknowledged by Zico

Brazilian Japanese national team coach Zico acknowledged, "Amazed at the powerful strength of Korean players. They were much more pressing and threatening in the midfield. Japan should do it the way Koreans do." Coelho said, "I asked them to press the opponent defense line and confuse them through interception. And they did what I asked them to do."

▽Remaining problems

But the victory does not mean the maturity of Coelho soccer. It just led us to the beginning of the hope.

Experts point out the lack of concentration. Korean players shot 15 shootings, only one of which led to goal. The Korean team should have made at least three goals. In addition, passes were not accurate. Furthermore, centering and throw passes were not tailored for the dashing attackers.

The national team will be summoned again on Tuesday, and it will take on Uruguay on June 8th and Argentina on 11th. Both of them take place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. To break down the strong wall of the South American soccer, Coelho has to make up for the shortcomings.

Sang-Ho Kim Jong-Koo Yang hyangsan@donga.com yjongk@donga.com