Young Attacker Wants Goal Against Togo

“I’d really like to play. If I am chosen to play in this match, my first and foremost goal will be the team’s victory, and the second will be scoring goals,” says 25-year-old Lee Chun-su of Ulsan Hyundai. Quite naturally for an attacker, Lee covets goals, and he does not try to hide it. “The fact that I did not score a single goal in the 2002 World Cup hurt me quite a lot.” In an interview held in Bergisch Gladbach before heading out to Frankfurt, Lee emphasized that, more than anything, he wishes to score goals in the upcoming Togo match.

Technically, Lee’s task in the team is not focused on scoring goals. If there are such things as given tasks within the team, Lee’s main assignment would be moving about in the opposing side and creating goal chances for central strikers such as Jo Jae-jin or Ahn Jung-hwan. But it seems more fitting that Lee should not be stapled to one spot or task. Instead, the ambitious forward could serve the team better by stirring up the ground as he see fits.

In many games in which he played his best, Lee was spotted attacking from both right and left side of the field, attempting penetration at every chance he sees. His daring-do character is reflected in his play style. Such style of Lee may give Team Korea an edge against Togo. Jeonnam Dragons coach Hwang Sun-hong says more players should be as bold as Lee. “You must keep the pressure on your opponents. You should not hesitate to make offensive moves because you are afraid of losing the ball.”

Although not a striker in the forefront, Lee’s offensive ability makes him a utility player. He will do his part whichever side of the field he is placed. His almost limitless stamina allows him to cut cross the ground ceaselessly. Lee himself said he will move and run more in the upcoming World Cup matches. Lee will also be the kicker in set play situations. Free kicks and corner kicks will be managed by Lee. He will have plenty of chances to score goals as the free kick chances near the penalty box fall into his hands. Lee confidently says that his precision is tuned to nearly 100 percent. If that precision could lead to goals, it would be best. If not, it could still do a lot of good in creating scoring chances for other players. Creating such opportunities are the steps toward realizing his first goal, which is the team’s victory.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com