Park Scores Equalizer Against France

It was an impossible draw. Team Korea’s doggedness paid off at last. The pride of 1998 World Cup winner France, along with the doubts about the Korean team, have been silenced.

About 36 minutes into the second half, Seol Ki-hyeon shot a cross as he penetrated to the right of the French side. After bouncing the ball off Jo Jae-jin’s head, the ball hovered in front of Park Ji-sung, who kicked it past French goalie Fabien Barthez into the net. It was the moment Team Korea had been waiting for after being dominated by the French team throughout the game.

The 2006 World Cup Group G match between Korea and France held at Central Stadium, Leipzig on June 19 ended in 1-1 draw. After allowing the first goal in the ninth minute to French striker Thierry Henry, Korea was mainly kept on the defensive throughout the first half; but came back with a strong push in the second half to end the game in a draw.

Korea is now leading Group G with one win and one draw, with France trailing behind with two draws. This puts Korea on an advantageous position where another draw against Switzerland might be sufficient to propel the team through into the elimination field of 16.

Won-Hong Lee Jong-Koo Yang bluesky@donga.com yjongk@donga.com