To the National U-2 Soccer Team, With Love

“Our youth team has never included so many pros before. No wonder people talk about it having its best lineup ever.”

This was a comment by former national team coach Park Seong-hwa, who has been at the helm of the team for a long time.

Out of the team’s 21 players, minus three goalkeepers, 13 players are active pro soccer players. Some players are standouts in the pros as well: midfielders such as Jeong Gyeong-ho, Kim Dong-seok, Song Jin-hyeong, Lee Cheong-yong, and Shin Gwang-hoon; and attackers like Shin Yeong-rok, Hah Tae-gyun, Lee Sang-ho, Shim Yeong-seong, and Lee Seong-jae.

The team is now preparing for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007. Its coach, Cho Dong-hyeon, confidently predicts that South Korea will advance to the semifinals, reminding us of the glorious play in 1983’s U-20 World Cup in Mexico. Proving their readiness, the national team shut out Mexico in the Busan Four Nations International Tournament last week.

Despite their strong play, the public did not show much attention. Even when admission was free, less than 500 fans attended the game.

“Fans care more about the World Cup and Olympics, and show little love for the U-20 games. We need their cheering and attention,” said coach Cho. “That will perk up and strengthen our players in the upcoming games.”

The South Korean team will play Costa Rica for the Busan Cup title at 3:00 p.m. today.

kimsk@donga.com