Hwang Sun-hong defeats China’s consistent fouls.
Hwang Sun-hong’s South Korea U-24 soccer team won a 3-1 friendly against China U-24 at Jinhua Stadium in Zhejiang, China, at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Hwang’s team is aiming for a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September, and the two-game series against the Chinese will be crucial to their chances.
Against South Korea, China was desperate. With a 24+ wildcard in the lineup, the focus was on winning, and the Chinese threatened Huang with excessive fouls. China is known for its sneaky fouls, known as Shaolin soccer, and this was no different.
The fouls became more blatant as the Chinese took the lead. One after another, there were rough fouls that broke the flow. Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai), the centerpiece of the offense, was forced to the ground twice in the first half by fouls from Chinese players targeting his ankles. Ko Young-jun (Pohang Steelers) also found it difficult to concentrate on the game as he was targeted for fouls by Chinese players.
The second half was no different. China also fouled substitutes Cho Young-wook (Gimcheon Commerce) and Park Jae-yong (FC Anyang). The Korean players were fouled repeatedly and were forced to lie on the ground.
Despite being plagued by China’s Shaolin soccer, the Korean national team showed their mettle. The first half ended goalless, but the second half opened up with substitutions. The introduction of Uhm Won-sang (Ulsan Hyundai), Jung Woo-young (Freiburg), Cho Young-wook, and Park Jae-yong revitalized the offense.
Uhm Won-sang in particular was in great form. Uhm Won-sang opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the second half with a non-stop shot from Kim Bong-soo’s long pass, and three minutes later, he drove into the back of the defense and converted a pass from Jung Ho-yeon. These goals highlighted Uhm’s ability to penetrate the defense.
Uhm Won-sang is Hwang Sun-hong’s go-to source of goals. She has the ability to lead the front line with her speed and skill. He has three goals and three assists for Ulsan this season, so he could be in for a treat against China.
However, Uhm Won-sang was pushed off the touchline by a Chinese player during a ball competition in the 20th minute. He suffered a twisted ankle in the process and was immediately replaced by Choi Jun (Busan I-Park).
Coach Hwang Sun-hong said after the game through the Korea Football Association, “Unfortunately, Uhm Won-sang sprained his ankle and went out. I hope it’s not a serious injury.”
After the victory over China, Hwang said, “I am satisfied, but there are some things I am not satisfied with. We need to make improvements. 토토사이트 I hope we can have a good match against China in the second game.”
Hwang is looking ahead to the Asian Games. “The goal is clear. The desire to win the Asian Games cannot be expressed in words by me or the players,” said Hwang. “It takes sacrifice and preparation to win. We are still lacking a lot. We will prepare well for the next 100 days and become a competitive team at the Asian Games.”