30-man World Cup prelim roster revealed

By Yoon Chul

Staff Reporter

``Our players are as competitive as any other team that has qualified for the World Cup,'' South Korean national team manager Huh Jung-moo said revealing his 30-man preliminary World Cup roster, Friday.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) and Huh announced the list of 30 candidates for the 23 final World Cup places.

Veteran forwards Lee Dong-gook of Jeonbuk motors and Ahn Jung-hwan of Chinese club Dalian Shide made the squad but Seol Ki-hyeon, who is recovering from a knee injury after returning from the English Premier League (EPL) to the K-league, failed to receive a call-up.

Veteran goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae, whose spot on the team was thrown into question due to his poor performance in the K-league, was selected over strong contender Kim Byung-ji of Gyeongnam FC.

As expected, overseas players, Park Ji-sung of Manchester United, Lee Chung-yong of Bolton Wanderers, Ki Sung-yueng of Celtic FC, Lee Young Pyo of Al-Hilal and Lee Keun-ho of Jubilo Iwata were all included.

In addition, young potential stars Koo Ja-cheol of Jeju United and Kim Bo-kyung of Oita Trinita also made the cut.

``Our players have the spirit to triumph and the power of organization,'' Huh said.

``It is really hard to play World Cup matches. Before this South Africa World Cup, our team has good harmony between the veterans and the young guns.

``We have to hone our skills but as we have a lot of self-confidence and a huge fighting spirit. We are not behind any other national team.''

The 55-year-old coach also gave an ultimatum to domestic players, mentioning in particular the defense.

``Some of our defenders are not playing well. The friendly against Ecuador on May 16 is the last chance for those in the domestic league to prove themselves. For those playing overseas the match will be a chance to look at their condition. Hwang Jae-won has been selected to reinforce the back line."

Huh also explained the selection of the younger players.

``Age doesn't matter. They are good enough to play internationally; the standard to make the squad is competitive ability,'' Huh said.

He picked unity and passion as the team's strength.

``It is not a guarantee to be in the top 16 at the World Cup. Every game is tough but we will fight with confidence and passion.

``We definitely have a unique cohesiveness. It is easy to break a branch but 10 branches are not broken easily,'' added Huh.

The national team manager also focused on the first game against Greece.

``We have a tendency to put in poor performances after playing badly in the first match.

``We must not be slow starters. We will increase our experience through the friendlies against Ecuador and Japan," Huh continued.

``As Guss Hiddink mentioned, Argentina doesn't only have (Lionel) Messi. We will compete against 11 Argentine footballers. And we're not just facing Argentina. We have more important matches against Greece and Nigeria," Huh said.

Korea is scheduled to play four friendlies against Ecuador, Japan, Belarus and Spain before heading to the World Cup.

The next match against the South American country on May 16 is the only warm-up match that will be played in Korea.