New start, or ending, for 2002 generation

By John Duerden

It's all happening with the heroes of 2002. No sooner did former national team forward and Incheon United player Lee Chun-soo announce his retirement, but now his teammates from that glorious summer are also on the move.

Defender Choi Jin-cheul was part of that famed 2002 World Cup performance and has been recognized recently for taking the national U-17 team to the knockout stage of the recent World Cup while serving as their coach, famously defeating Brazil along the way. He’s being appointed as coach of the Pohang Steelers, one of the K-League's most successful clubs.

The Steelers are the most successful club in Asian football history with three continental championships to their name, more than any other club.

Part of the club's identity lies in its short and attractive passing game and development of young players. Choi's exploits with the teenagers in Chile last month will have done his chances no harm at all. This is the former defender's first club job and he has much to prove. Pohang has a record of success but lacks the resources enjoyed by title-chasing rivals Suwon Bluewings, FC Seoul and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Choi replaces Hwang Sun-hong, who scored the first goal for the Taeguk Warriors at the 2002 World Cup. The striker has already spent five years as coach.

His high point was the 2013 title, perhaps the most dramatic in the league with a last-second goal in the last game of the season on the home field of the league leader. If Hwang has any regrets, it may be that Pohang did not really make a mark in Asia, the quarterfinal exit in 2013 notwithstanding when the Steelers lost in a penalty shootout with FC Seoul after the direst of games.

Hwang has been linked with several jobs over the years due to his reputation as a player and young coach.

Many thought the new Pohang coach would be 2002 national team captain Hong Myung-bo. The former defender has been looking to get back into coaching after the 2014 World Cup disaster. “The Eternal Libero” was in charge of the senior team, but was heavily criticized after collecting just one point from the three games in Brazil. After almost 18 months out of the game, he is ready to return.

However, it seems that Hong would prefer to rebuild his reputation overseas and has been in talks with Hangzhou Greentown FC in China. The Chinese Super League team is looking to become a force after years of mid-table, at best, finishes. The contract is lucrative, much more than he would receive in the K-League. It remains to be seen how Hong will manage in his first job as head coach of a professional football club.

A new start, or ending, for many of the 2002 generation. Fans will be watching with interest.