Rising Star, Park Joo-young

The future hope for the Korean soccer team has surged more than ever.

In the 2004 Asian Junior Championships (20 and under) match up between Korea and China held in Cheras stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 9, Korea’s “Soccer talent,” Park Joo-young (19• Korea University), scattered China’s defense line with his fascinating individual skills while putting the ball in the back of the net twice, at 37 minutes and 43 minutes of the opening half, while leading the Korean team to a 2-0 victory.

With this, Korea has won back-to-back championships with 2002’s victory and has won a total of 11 titles.

This win is a great achievement and a stunning victory, wiping out the jinx and disgrace of Korea`s losses in consecutive quarterfinals of international matches, including the Nationals, Olympic matches and the 16-and-below Junior championships

The championship meant more as the team defeated the powerhouses of China, which called up key members aiming for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Japan, which summoned its best rookies targeted for the 2006 Germany World Cup, Syria, and Uzbekistan.

In particular, the appearance of the pre-stars such as the outstanding, individual skill-packed Park Joo-young, Kim Seung-yong (FC Seoul), Baik Seung-min (Yongin FC), Oh Jang-eun (FC Tokyo), Jo Won-kwang (FC ShoSho), Baek Ji-hoon (Jeonnam Dragons), Ahn Tae-eun (Chosun University), Park Hee-chul (Hongik University), Shin Young-rok (Suwon Samsung) and Cha Ki-seok (Seoul Physical Education high school), was a great lift for the team.

Park Joo-young, some say possesses the scoring abilities of Hwang Sun-hong, individual skills of Ahn Jung-hwan, and the penetration of Lee Chun-soo, scored a competition total six goals and received the MVP award. Park Joo-young, who is taking possession of the Korean striker position, appeared in 33 games in his Chung-gu high school years and notched 47 goals (1.42 goals per games) to be picked as the scoring king in 4 competitions as his potential as a super striker appeared in his early years. In the final against China, Park shook off five Chinese defenders, played in the opening 32 minutes, and scored the game-leading goal, leading to the to nickname, “Asia’s Maradona.”

Now, the new goal for the Korean Junior team is to win the World Junior Championships held in Netherlands the following year. Head coach Park Sung-hwa commented, “ As each match progressed, the players adapted well to the grass, and the improvements in the matter of content was the driving force to victory.” Adding, “We’ll work hard to make a good mark at the World Championships.”

Soon-Il Kwon stt77@donga.com