Kim Do-hoon Joins National Football Team

˝I was quite disappointed at losing the chance with the World Cup squad, and now I am all determined to do my best.˝ 33-year-old veteran forward Kim Do-hoon (Sungnam Ilhwa) was seemingly excited about having a chance to play with the national football team led by head coach Humberto Coelho, ahead of the 2003 Asian Cup qualifying matches.

Kim, having long been considered one of the best Korean strikers, failed to join the World Cup squad last year and remained out of the national team even after the Portuguese manager took the team, as he often missed chances for a goal.

Kim is now in his second prime years, however, scoring 17 goals in the K-league. As he led the professional club`s three consecutive victories, Coelho began to turn his eye to the striker. ˝He will become one of the leading strikers for the team, now that we decide not to call up Korean internationals,˝ said the head coach.

It has been 9 months since Kim wore the national uniform in the match with Brazil on Nov. 20. ˝I feel pressure since I am not young any more, but I will exert my best effort since it is an honor to be with the national team,˝ said the veteran player.

The list also features five new faces as well as Kim – Kim Dae-eui (Sungnam), Chung Kyung-ho and Kim Jung-woo (Ulsan Tigers), Choi Jong-bum (Pohang Steelers), Kim Jung-kyum (Chunnam Dragons) and Cho Sung-hwan (Suwon Blue Wings)

˝I included several young players in accordance with their performances after fully consulting with the coaching staff,˝ Coelho said.

The national team will get together on Sept. 18 and continue training through 25. On Sept. 21, they will temporarily return to club teams. Korean internationals based overseas were not called up, considering complications related to the process of bring them in.

Meantime, manager Coelho left Korea for Portugal for a short vacation before the Asian Cup qualifying matches. He will be back on Sept. 15 and begin training the new team in the National Football Center in Paju on 18.

▽National Football Team

Goalkeepers: Lee Woon-jae, Kim Yong-dae. Defenders: Kim Tae-young, Choi Jin-cheul, Park Jae-hong, Cho Sung-hwan, Lee Ki-hyung, Kim Jung-kyum, Choi Jong-bum, Hyun Young-min, Park Jin-sub. Midfielders: Choi Sung-kuk, Kim Nam-il, Lee Eul-yong, Choi Tae-uk, Lee Kwan-woo, Chung Kyung-ho, Kim Jung-woo. Forwards: Kim Do-hoon, Kim Dae-eui, Woo Sung-yong, Cho Jae-jin

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com