Post by bob1389 on Nov 17, 2009 17:30:51 GMT -5
Korea Facing Tough Test Against Serbia
The South Korean national football team will be looking to close out 2009 on a high note, when the Red Devils face Serbia Wednesday night (KST) at Craven Cottage in London.
The South Koreans will be seeking to extend their unbeaten streak to 28 games, which would tie the Asian record.
Manager Huh Jung-moo took the helm of the national team in December 2007 and Korea lost to Chile 1-0 in his first match one month later. But since then, Huh's side has notched 14 wins and 13 draws.
The 48th-ranked East Asians, who have qualified for the World Cup for the seventh straight time, have faced some difficult teams, beating the likes of Paraguay, Australia and Senegal and drawing 0-0 with Denmark Sunday (KST).
A draw or a win against the emerging Eastern European football power would tie Korea's own Asian record of 28 games ― 24 victories and four draws ― set from 1978 to 1979.
The longest undefeated run in the sport all time is 35 games set by Brazil from 1997 to 1998 and equaled by Spain from 2006 to 2009.
Serbia, sitting 20th in the world rankings, has clinched its 11th World Cup berth (nine as Yugoslavia and one as Serbia and Montenegro four years ago). Serbia was 7-1-2 with 22 points, edging France by one to top Group 7 of European qualifying.
Although Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic was ruled out due to injury, striker Milan Jovanovic of Standard Liege, who booted a team-high five goals in the qualifying rounds, defender Nemenja Vidic and midfielder Zoran Tosic, both of Manchester United, will join the Serbian team.
The Radomir Antic's squad edged Northern Ireland 1-0 Sunday.
"Serbian players are better in terms of skills than those of Denmark,'' Huh said.
"They have tall forwards, such as 2.02-meter Nikola Zigic of Valencia, so it will be helpful for us to prepare for the World Cup.''
However, the 54-year-old Huh is looking for a central midfield duo to fill in for departed Kim Jung-woo of Seongnam Chunma and Ki Sung-yueng of FC Seoul.
Along with the two players, who have made a huge impact in Korea's midfield, goalie Jung Sung-ryong of Pohang Steelers, defenders Kwak Tae-hwi and Kim Chi-woo of Seoul returned to Korea Wednesday to compete in the K-League playoffs, scheduled to begin Saturday.
"Kim Jung-woo and Ki Sung-yueng have to vie for starting spots, but this Serbian match will be a good opportunity to unearth players who can back them up,'' Huh said.
"Kim Nam-il and Cho Won-hee will replace them on the pitch.''
Based on the progress of the game, Huh is likely to shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation from a 4-4-2 setup and opt to put Manchester United winger Park Ji-sung at center midfield.
The 28-year-old took charge of the position against Denmark and made good through passes to attackers.
In addition, Suwon BlueWings center midfielder Kim Do-heon is also a candidate for the job.
The former English Premier Leaguer plays on the flanks for the K-League outfit, but his initial position is at center.
"The national team has played well against strong opponents. The squad has improved a lot,'' Huh said.
"I will focus on offsetting the impact of the player absences in this match."
The South Korean national football team will be looking to close out 2009 on a high note, when the Red Devils face Serbia Wednesday night (KST) at Craven Cottage in London.
The South Koreans will be seeking to extend their unbeaten streak to 28 games, which would tie the Asian record.
Manager Huh Jung-moo took the helm of the national team in December 2007 and Korea lost to Chile 1-0 in his first match one month later. But since then, Huh's side has notched 14 wins and 13 draws.
The 48th-ranked East Asians, who have qualified for the World Cup for the seventh straight time, have faced some difficult teams, beating the likes of Paraguay, Australia and Senegal and drawing 0-0 with Denmark Sunday (KST).
A draw or a win against the emerging Eastern European football power would tie Korea's own Asian record of 28 games ― 24 victories and four draws ― set from 1978 to 1979.
The longest undefeated run in the sport all time is 35 games set by Brazil from 1997 to 1998 and equaled by Spain from 2006 to 2009.
Serbia, sitting 20th in the world rankings, has clinched its 11th World Cup berth (nine as Yugoslavia and one as Serbia and Montenegro four years ago). Serbia was 7-1-2 with 22 points, edging France by one to top Group 7 of European qualifying.
Although Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic was ruled out due to injury, striker Milan Jovanovic of Standard Liege, who booted a team-high five goals in the qualifying rounds, defender Nemenja Vidic and midfielder Zoran Tosic, both of Manchester United, will join the Serbian team.
The Radomir Antic's squad edged Northern Ireland 1-0 Sunday.
"Serbian players are better in terms of skills than those of Denmark,'' Huh said.
"They have tall forwards, such as 2.02-meter Nikola Zigic of Valencia, so it will be helpful for us to prepare for the World Cup.''
However, the 54-year-old Huh is looking for a central midfield duo to fill in for departed Kim Jung-woo of Seongnam Chunma and Ki Sung-yueng of FC Seoul.
Along with the two players, who have made a huge impact in Korea's midfield, goalie Jung Sung-ryong of Pohang Steelers, defenders Kwak Tae-hwi and Kim Chi-woo of Seoul returned to Korea Wednesday to compete in the K-League playoffs, scheduled to begin Saturday.
"Kim Jung-woo and Ki Sung-yueng have to vie for starting spots, but this Serbian match will be a good opportunity to unearth players who can back them up,'' Huh said.
"Kim Nam-il and Cho Won-hee will replace them on the pitch.''
Based on the progress of the game, Huh is likely to shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation from a 4-4-2 setup and opt to put Manchester United winger Park Ji-sung at center midfield.
The 28-year-old took charge of the position against Denmark and made good through passes to attackers.
In addition, Suwon BlueWings center midfielder Kim Do-heon is also a candidate for the job.
The former English Premier Leaguer plays on the flanks for the K-League outfit, but his initial position is at center.
"The national team has played well against strong opponents. The squad has improved a lot,'' Huh said.
"I will focus on offsetting the impact of the player absences in this match."