Coach determined to prove mettle of S. Korean football at U-20 World Cup

BIELSKO-BIALA, Poland ― On the eve of South Korea's first match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, head coach Chung Jung-yong said he will try to demonstrate to world what the country's football is all about.

"We've done our best to prepare for the tournament, and we'll leave everything out on the field," Chung said at the pre-match press conference Thursday at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. South Korea will open Group F play against Portugal here Saturday. Their two other group opponents are South Africa and Argentina.

"They're all great teams with sound techniques," Chung said. "If we display everything we have, in terms of our organization, physical fitness and mental fortitude, then we should have good results."

Chung said he will regard these upcoming matches as an opportunity for his young players to grow, rather than as something that should intimidate his players.

"This is the best tournament for players in this age group, and as a coach, I hope they will get to enjoy this World Cup," Chung added. "I hope they will compete with confidence, passion and determination."

Captain Hwang Tae-hyeon has apparently heeded his coach's advice, speaking with confidence about the challenges ahead.

"Our three opponents all did well in their regional qualifiers, and we're here because we played well in Asia," the defensive back said. "If we stick to our game plan and tactics, we should be fine. I admit Portugal and Argentina are strong teams, but I also think we're just as good as those teams."

Hwang said blanking Ecuador 1-0 in the final pre-World Cup match was a major confidence boost. Ecuador, after winning the South American qualifiers over Argentina, will compete in Group B at the tournament.

Europe-based players

Two of South Korea's four Europe-based players are hoping their overseas experience will have a positive impact on the team at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.

FC Liefering midfielder Kim Jung-min and Dinamo Zagreb defender Kim Hyun-woo are considered integral parts of head coach Chung Jung-yong's team here in Poland, with South Korea set to face Portugal, South Africa and Argentina in Group F.

These European leaguers, along with Valencia CF midfielder Lee Kang-in and Hamburger SV goalkeeper Choi Minh-soo, will be counted on for leadership on and off the pitch.

Kim Hyun-woo will be the center back in Chung's back-three scheme, the player responsible for steadying the defensive ship. Kim Jung-min, as the central midfielder, will be the link between offense and defense.

Both players missed the national team's final home training camp late last month and joined the rest of the national team behind schedule, due to their club commitments. Kim Hyun-woo met his teammates on May 5, and Kim Jung-min arrived six days later.

Kim Hyun-woo, who's on loan to Dinamo Zagreb from South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai FC, said he was surprised with how well the rest of the team had been prepared, and he wanted to put in extra effort so as not to mess with the setup.

"The things that I've learned while playing in Europe should help me a great deal at this World Cup," the 20-year-old said Thursday. "These matches won't be easy, but I don't think we have to be intimidated."

Kim Jung-min, who signed with FC Red Bull Salzburg last year before getting loaned to his current club, said he will go into the tournament with plenty of confidence.

"Over the past year, I've learned a lot by going up against older players in Europe," said Kim, 19. "There's so much more that I want to show at this tournament. I feel like I can do really well."

Kim just missed the cut for the previous U-20 World Cup hosted by South Korea two years ago, which makes the teenager appreciate this opportunity that much more.

"I am grateful to be in Poland with my friends for the World Cup," he said. "I'll go out there and play with confidence and urgency." (Yonhap)