Korea to face Zambia Wednesday in World Cup warm-up match

By Jung Min-ho

Leaving London glory behind, Korea’s national football team will take on Zambia as it prepares to resume its 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign in a friendly on Wednesday in Anyang Stadium at 8 p.m.

The match against the Africa Cup of Nations champions is expected to be a good opportunity for the 18 players from the domestic league to prove their worth, while weary Olympic team members will not take part, including those who play in European leagues.

“I hope this game will be an opportunity to test our players before the qualifiers in September and October,” manager Choi Kang-hee said. “The selected players have done really well for their teams. I hope this will expand our player base so that we can later them utilize in the national squad.”

Jeonbuk Motors defender Sim Woon-yeon, Incheon United’s Jung In-hwan, Jeju United midfielder Song Jin-hyung, Pohang Steelers midfielder Hwang Jin-sung and defender Shin Kwang-hoon have been called up to the national squad for the first time. Good performances could see them provide competition for places in qualifying for the Brazil World Cup.

“I’m planning on giving equal opportunities to the players,” Choi said. “Because I have high expectations for these excellent players, I want to test their ability through practice and friendly games.”

Jeonbuk’s Lee Dong-gook is likely to start at front with Ulsan Hyundai FC forward Lee Keun-ho and Daejeon Citizen FC’s midfielder Kim Hyeong-bum’s backing him up.

Although Korea, 29th in the FIFA rankings, seems to have a good chance of beating Zambia, 44th, the Asian side lost both in previous encounters in 1995 and 2010. Momentum from the Africa Cup of Nations may challenge Korea’s players that lack international experience. At the tournament, Zambia displayed their potential by beating African powerhouses like Ghana and Senegal on the way to winning the trophy for the first time.

“Zambia is a strong team and our preparation period was short,” Choi said. “However, I believe our players will do well if they live up to their potential.”

After defeating Qatar 4-1 and Lebanon 3-0 in World Cup qualifiers in June, Korea will look to continue its run against Uzbekistan on Sept. 11.