Strikers Ready to Attack

"Rise, strikers!"

The Korean Olympic soccer team will be facing "Africa`s dark horse," Mali, in Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Thessaloniki City, Greece, for the men`s group A final round match at 2:30 a.m. on August 18, Korean time.

With both teams standing at one win, one draw (winning points: 4) each, if the game ends up in a draw, both teams will advance to the quarterfinals, but if either team knocks out the other, then the loser will have to calculate total goals earned and lost with the winner between Greece and Mexico. At this point, neither team will yield any concessions, and both will display their full complement of tactics.

The Strikers Must Score-

Korea has recorded three earned points and two lost points so far from its two prior matches against Greece and Mexico. But the three goals were mid-field goals contributed by midfielders including Kim Dong-Jin (FC Seoul). Choi Tae-wook (Incheon United) added to his own goal by an opponent. None of the shots were made by the "three main strikers" of Cho Jae-jin (Shimizu), Lee Chun-soo (Real Sociedad), and Choi Tae-wook (Incheon United) who can scorch the back of the net. The lack of strength in the offensive line explains the team’s struggles in its two prior matches, even though Korea scored game-leading goals.

The team shook its opponents with a surprising midfield goal, but it’s been tough for Korea throughout the match when its strikers have been blocked by the overwhelming offense of its opponents.

Head coach Kim Ho-Gon is planning to display a 3-4-3 formation in the match against Mali in which Cho Jae-jin, Lee Chun-soo, and Choi Tae-wook will cover the offensive front line. It will be much easier for the Korean team to win the game if its top three strikers can notch a goal with support from the midfield line packed with dreadful shooting ability.

Take a Close Look at These Factors-

Mali was counted as an underdog due to its first Olympic soccer berth. But the actual unveiled strategy of the team is a winning one. Mali has a strong team consisting of members of the 2001 Argentina World Junior Championships (20 years and under) finalist team as its main core, with seven overseas players.

In particular, the game-controlling ability of Momo Sissoko (Valencia), who plays in Spain’s Primera Liga, and Mamadi Berthe (Sedan, France League 2nd division) are highly regarded, and the flank play of Jimmy Kebe is also threatening.

On the other hand, the four-back defensive lineup for Mali is thin to some extent, so the swift movement of strikers is a necessity.

Head coach Kim commented, "Our team will not display passive play just because the team will advance to the quarterfinals if we draw. We will take the game with the attitude, ‘The best offence is the best defense’."