South Korean Soccer

Nothing like getting crushed in the first match of the new year.  Let’s get right to it:   History:  was made (or tied?), but probably not the kind you’d like to hear.  The 4-0 loss tied for manager Choi Kang-Hee’s worst defeat in his tenure, tied with the 4-0 loss against Spain last year prior [...]

Some days you win, some days you lose.  Korea trudged through one of their sloppier performances in recent memory and flung Group A wide open for the taking in the 2014 World Cup qualifications.  Let’s dive in:   Tactics:  With several new additions and the return of Lee Chung-Yong, manager Choi Kang-Hee had a plethora [...]

Well, well, Christmas came early for someone.  After having a miserable debut season with Arsenal, Park joins Celta de Vigo on loan just before the transfer deadline last Friday.  For the twenty-seven year old Korean forward, any move out of Arsenal and into another European club is a great development.  I would do backflips to [...]

Looks like we found a winner.  After weeks of rumors of being linked to Arsenal, Liverpool, and Queens Park Rangers, among others, Swansea has agreed in principle to sign Ki Sung-Yeung for around £6million ($9.4million), making him Swansea’s most expensive signing ever, as well as the highest fee ever posted for a Korean footballer (for now). [...]

Bronze never looked so sweet.  This team has shown so much heart this tournament; fighting through injuries, exhaustion, pending military service, and yet were still able to find a way to make history.  Let’s dive right in:   Let My People Go:  Boy, was this match physical in the first half.  Combine Haniljeon (한일전), an [...]

Let’s just get this out of the way- Brasíl is the better team and clearly won this match.  Am I disappointed?  Yes. Defeated though?  No.  Judging both teams from just the final scoreline doesn’t do any justice however, so let’s break it down: Managerial Strategy, II:  With several players battling fatigue and fitness issues, Hong took [...]

One game.  One game and Korea is guaranteed an Olympic medal.  Military exemptions for everyone involved. European clubs beckoning for their services.  Groupies galore.  So rich it’s gonna be cash, money, h…whoops. If you didn’t notice, I haven’t been this excited for a soccer match since…I can’t remember when.  What are the keys though, for Korea [...]

Wow.  I think my heart just recovered. Let’s just take a step back for a quick second.  Korea just played the last Great Britain team to ever be assembled.  In their own backyard.  And beat them.  Just an absolutely colossal, huge win for Korea and the entire team, who are now one step closer to [...]

If someone told me before the Olympics started that Korea would allow one goal in the group stage, finish second in their group, advance to the quarterfinals, and play either Great Britain or Senegal (as opposed to pre-tournament Group A favorite Uruguay), I would’ve taken that in a heartbeat.  About as good a deal as [...]

Who was the genius at NBC that decided to put this game on tape delay?  For those of you who live in America and missed the game, Korea and Switzerland played a very entertaining and physical match on Sunday, with Korea breaking their scoreless drought in quick fashion with goals from Park Chu-Young and Kim [...]