JIN Tae-ho (Jeonbuk) and KIM Myung-joon (Pohang), the core of Byun Sung-hwanho, shouted “revenge” at Japan.
On the 30th, 21 ‘Little Taegeuk Warriors’ including Jin Tae-ho and Kim Myung-joon convened at the Paju National Football Team Training Center (NFC).
They will compete in the 2023 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) U-17 World Cup in Indonesia from Nov. 10 to Dec. 2.
South Korea is in Group E alongside the United States, France, and Burkina Faso. Right next to them in Group D is Japan, who caused them heartache three months ago. If South Korea finishes first and Japan second, they will meet in the round of 16.
South Korea lost to Japan 0-3 in the final of the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup in July. They were unable to overcome the bad luck of having a player sent off in the first half. There was some controversy that the refereeing was too favorable to Japan.
Midfielder Jin Tae-ho and striker and “captain” Kim Myung-joon still felt responsible for the scoreless defeat.
“It was my first game (against Japan),” Jin said. I got sent off in the first half and conceded a goal from that free kick, which shook the whole team. If we meet again, we will definitely win.”
“Since we already know the team, I think we can prepare more confidently,” said Kim Myung-jun, adding, “We will make up for what we lacked at the Asian Cup.”
Byun Sung-hwan vowed to play the same aggressive “build-up soccer” against the stronger opponents they will face at the World Cup.
Although the team only managed one draw and two losses against powerhouses such as England, Morocco, and Belgium in the four-nation friendly tournament held in Spain from Nov. 11-17, Byun and the players said they “gained confidence.”
Jin Tae-ho said, “The skeleton of the opponent was different. They were stronger, so we tried to play more in advance,” he said, adding, “Our players gave us a lot of options (to distribute passes), which made it easier for us.”
“I was nervous, but it was worth it. I gained confidence.”
Kim Myung-joon and Jin Tae-ho, who are still learning the game, cite Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and FC Barcelona’s Xavi as their “role models,” respectively. Jin Tae-ho said he also wants to emulate Jeonbuk’s senior Lee Jae-sung (Mainz).
“I think my posture is similar to Kane’s. I try to imitate him by watching videos, so I think my playing style is a bit similar,” he said, adding, “I try to imitate his link-up and selfless play.”
“My role model is Gabby, a midfielder who uses her small size to her advantage. Among Korean players, I like Lee Jae-sung. I think he plays really cleverly,” he said, adding, “I want to be like them and play in the Asian Games and Olympics and be selected for the A team.” 토토사이트