Yoon Bitgaram

By Tan Boon Piaw SINGAPORE: Korea Republic are down but definitely not out. Despite being ousted by Central Asian debutants Tajikistan in the quarterfinals of the AFC U-17 Championship, the junior Taeguk Warriors have vowed to come back stronger in the FIFA U-17 World Cup on home soil next year. For the record, Korea Republic, champions in 1986 and 2002, reached the quarterfinals in 2004 but lost to DPR Korea. This time round, it was newcomers Tajikistan who halted their run.

However, Korea Republic were far from convincing since day one. They struggled to beat hosts Singapore 3-1 in their first match in Group A before winning 2-0 against Nepal next to qualify for the last eight. A 3-2 loss against Japan, however, relegated them to the position of runners-up in the group. In 2002, they thrashed India 3-1 in the quarterfinals before overwhelming Uzbekistan 4-0 in the last four. In the final against Yemen, the game went to penalties after regulation time and extra time ended a goal apiece and from the spot Korea notched up a 5-3 win. Korea Republic coach Park Kyung Hoon found it hard to swallow their early dismissal in the tournament but admitted that the team had not been in its best form. “To pack our bags so early is something I didn’t expect especially since we came to this tournament with high hopes of emerging as champions in order to boost our confidence ahead of next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.” “This tournament is a good learning experience for us. I can see that we are not yet ready for the world meet now. But in around a year’s time, I am sure we will be a much better team.” Park lamented the inconsistency of his team and is expected to wield the axe before the final squad is announced for the FIFA tournament. The most outstanding performer in the team was arguably striker Ju Sung Hwan, who scored three goals. But regulars like captain Kim Dong Cheol, Bak Jae Cheol and Yoon Bitgaram, who is dubbed ‘Korea’s Zinedine Zidane’ were disappointing, to say the least. “I know young players are an inconsistent lot but I wonder why my players had so many ups and downs in this tournament. Even the most dependable Yoon Bitgaram was not at his best.” “The coaching staff will do a post-mortem when we are back. We are definitely going to find the best combination and the best available players to carry out our challenge in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.”

“With us being the hosts, all eyes will be on us and expectations to perform well on home ground will be high. We want to restore our pride in our own backyard by at least reaching the knock-out phrase.”