Football never stops, it is time to look forward

The 2015 U-17 World Cup ends in disappointment, but youth tournaments are not just about winning

By John Duerden

The contrast between South Korea at the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Under-17 World Cup could not have been greater until last week. The two tournaments ended the same way with a disappointing loss to Belgium.

In June last year, the senior team needed to defeat the Red Devils to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stage only to lose 1-0. On Thursday, the youngsters had already reached the second round but lost 2-0 to the Europeans.

The youngsters will look back on events in South America with much more satisfaction than the elders -- eventually. In the short-term however, the defeat ― which came after goals in each half from Jorn Vancamp and Matthias Verreth ― will be looked upon with frustration and a feeling of what might have been.

There was a sense that this could happen. Korea had been perfect in the group stage, defeating Brazil ― a win that will live long in the memory ― Guinea and then drawing with England. All this was achieved without conceding a goal. It was almost too good to be true.

Against Belgium, the passing was sloppy and Belgium looked much improved from the group stage, making Korea pay for uncharacteristic mistakes. Then Lee Seung-woo, the star of the team, missed a second-half penalty that could have made all the difference.

The team's lack of firepower cost it in the end. Korea just did not score enough goals ― just two in four games. That is not a huge problem when the defense is keeping out the other team but with the backline not holding firm, the young Teaguk Warriors just could not get the goals.

Over time, the words of coach Choi Jin-cheul will provide more comfort: “Our players gained valuable experience by beating Brazil and Guinea in group play. I hope they can learn from the defeat today and make sure they don’t repeat the same errors in the future.”

He is right. Korea made headlines with the defeat of Brazil, especially as it was a deserved win. The confidence gained from this will last for some time.

Football never stops and while the lessons of the past few weeks should be remembered and absorbed, it is time to look forward. In 2017, these players will be able to play in the 2017 Under-20 World Cup. Even better is that the tournament is taking place in South Korea.

It is to be hoped that the stars of this team stay together. Lee Seung-woo had an up and down tournament, but in two years it is possible he could be a member of Barcelona’s first team. Then there is Kim Jin-ya a midfielder with a bright future, Jang Jae-won, the scorer of that famous goal against Brazil and goalkeeper Ahn Joon-soo. If the team can stay together, add some more talent then the future could be bright indeed.

Ultimately however, it is not about winning youth tournaments, as nice as that would be, but preparing players ready to help turn the senior team into one of the world’s best.

Events of the past few weeks have made that outcome a little more likely. The 2015 Under-17 World Cup started brilliantly and while it ended with a little disappointment, there is much to be proud of and much to look forward to.