Choi Ready to Punch a Pack against Hong Kong

20-year-old striker Choi Seong-guk has become a next-generation star player, leading the charge for Korea`s young footballers. He has become an invaluable player at the tender age of 20.

Choi, who has been a lineup for both the national team and the junior Olympics team, is set to steal the spotlight again in Hong Kong Stadium on Oct. 1, this time with the Olympics team presently in the second round of 2003 Olympics regional finals.

Choi will be a front midfielder on the day, helping striker Cho Jae-jin punch a pack against Hong Kong.

Choi scored a game-winning goal in the match in the 2004 Asian Cup on Sept. 29, leading the senior team`s 0-1 victory over Oman. In the previous match against Vietnam, he made two assists and scored a goal, playing a double role for the team.

In fact, Choi used to invite criticism that he only knew how to keep the ball without passing it. But it is a different story now. Milan Ochalla, head coach of the Oman team, praised that Choi knows how to make a chance for his team after the match. Umberto Cohelo, head coach of the national team also stated, ˝Choi has changed a lot. He will become a great player if he learns how to let the ball go.˝

˝Hong Kong is tight in defense and offense and pretty strong on the midfield,˝ said Kim Ho-gon, head coach of Olympic team, adding he expected Choi to penetrate deep inside the opponents.

Meantime, Hong Kong is set to counter their strong opponents with `5-4-1` formation by placing emphasis on defense. Kenny Rai, head coach of Hong Kong, has positioned Richi Ho behind the fore back line as a sweeper, who will help striker Chengshi Oui.

Korea will bring Hong Kong to the home ground in Goyang on Sept. 7 to have a second match.

Sang-Soo Kim hyangsan@donga.com