Park Finally Scores 1st Goal of Year

“I think it’s meaningful since I can be more relaxed mentally.”

Park Ji-sung (26, Manchester United) can now feel less pressure regarding goals. He scored his first goal this season, the third since he debuted in England.

During the 2006 – 2007 England Premier League home game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England, on January 14, Park put on an impressive performance, scoring the team’s first goal and assisting the second before he was substituted 20 minutes into the second half. Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3 – 1 and remained in first place with 18 wins, three ties, and two losses (total 57 points).

In the 11th minute of the first half, Park attempted a turning shoot when Gary Neville sent the ball his way from the right. However, it wasn’t strong enough and bounced off the defensive players. Gary Cahill, an Aston Villa defensive player, attempted to kick the ball far out but it fell in front of Park again. Park sent the ball into the corner of the goal with a right-foot diagonal shoot.

This was Park’s first goal in nine months since his goal on April 10 in the Premier League game against Arsenal. Before the season began, Park said, “I’m going to try to be more aggressive. I would like to score a lot of goals if I get the chance.” He worked the field actively last year but did not score many goals, and seemed to feel pressured to score more goals in order to survive in the team competition for starting positions.

However, things did not go well this season. Recently, Park was out for 99 days due to injuries, and consequently did not have many chances to play. Even after recovering from his injury, he was unable to score, and was mentally pressured. Thanks to this goal, Park will be able to lay down some of his burden.

Right after scoring his goal, in the 13th minute, Park assisted Michael Carrick’s goal. Park sent the ball past a defensive player from the right of the field and Carrick ran in to score the goal.

In the 35th minute, Park intercepted the ball and passed it to Carrick, who sent the cross to Cristiano Ronaldo to be headed into the goal. Manchester gave up a goal six minutes into the second half.

The AFP News evaluated Park’s performance highly, saying, “Park Ji-sung scored the team’s first goal and vitalized the team’s offensive stance.”

bluesky@donga.com