Lees One-Man Soccer Show
It was as if a party had been prepared just for him. Lee Chun-soo hosted his own party with a hat trick and one assist.
Although Lee was from the visiting team, the 35,000 Incheon home fans could only sit and watch as he hosted his own one-man show.
Lee debuted majestically in the K-League in 2002, winning the rookie of the year award, and everything sailed smoothly until he was transferred to the Spanish soccer club Real Sociedad in July of 2003. However, he did not succeed in adapting to the big leagues, fell into a slump, and returned to K-League in August of this year.
Back then, his first comeback match opponent was his former club Incheon. Lee hit the post twice, lost his cool, protested to the referee, and got kicked out of the match. It was a bad omen that his long slump in Spain would prevail in Korea.
Two days before todays match, Lee, who even spoke out his frustration of that game, prepared thoroughly by setting up a wall and practicing free kicks at the team practice drill in Bucheon.
Lee brought his club to the finals, by assisting with the clubs two goals during the playoffs, and in the championship final, he showed off unparalleled play right before the eyes of national squad coach Dick Advocaat, signaling to the world that he is back on top of his game.
In an interview after the game, Lee commented, Im very happy to have the first ever hat trick of my life. Until now, I was not included on the list of killer strikers, but now you can call me Killer Lee Chun-soo. I am confident that I can go up against any player on the national team and take a spot there.
Jae-Yun Jung jaeyuna@donga.com
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