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Korean Soccer Champions Clash

Posted December. 17, 2005 10:36,   

한국어

The K2 League’s corporate football club and league finalist Ulsan-Hyundai Mipo Dockyard will face-off against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of the pro league on December 17 at Seoul World Cup Stadium for the 2005 FA Cup championship.

The FA Cup is a free-for-all soccer tournament consisting of K League, the K2 League, and amateur clubs.

Hyundai Mipo Dockyard’s manager Yoo Jin-hoi said, “We got here by defeating one pro club after another. Competency is not an issue.” However, the team’s limited roster of 16 players means fatigued players have to play without much backup. “I’m trying not to pressure the players to win. I want them to enjoy the final match. But we’re going for tit-for-tat, all-out play,” said Yoo.

Jeonbuk manager Choi Kang-hee plans to give all-out play as well by putting in Choi Jin-cheol, who missed the semi-final match due to injury. Botti and Milton also add to their relatively superior arsenal, but they are watching out for Hyundai Mipo Dockyard’s recent ascension. “I’ve told them, ‘Let’s win this FA Cup since we’ve been pretty dull in both the first and second halves of this season with our 10th place standing in K League.’” Choi also added, “Our opponent is on a winning streak, so we can’t loosen up until the end. Hyundai Mipo Dockyard’s midfielders read their games well and are decisive when shooting for a goal. We will keep our pride as a pro club by winning this game.”

The winner of the FA Cup will be awarded with 100 million won and earn the right to go to the preliminary round of the 2006 AFC Champions League.



Won-Hong Lee bluesky@donga.com