“(Final list) We are preparing close to 80-90%.”
The time for decision is coming. Kim Eun-joong, head coach of the Korean under-20 (U-20) national team, began to cover the last stone. The U-20 national team will sortie for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which opens in Argentina on the 20th (hereinafter Korean time). The team started training at Paju NFC on the 1st. Coach Kim plans to announce the final 21 players on the 5th after two practice matches against Bucheon FC and Sungkyunkwan University. The team leaves for Argentina on the 7th.
▶The fateful day is approaching, 80-90% completed ‘Drill the last hole!’
Coach Kim said at a press conference on the 1st, “There are many players who could not come to the last training. According to the national team call-up rules, players can be called up one month before the opening day of the U-20 World Cup. However, players are allowed to participate in their team’s matches up to 15 days before the start of the season. Some players who participated in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Asian Cup last March, such as Kang Seong-jin (FC Seoul) and Kim Ji-su (Seongnam FC), could not join this training session. Instead, coach Kim called in all three European players. Asian Cup member Kim Yong-hak (Portimonense) joined again this time. What stands out is the joining of Cho Jin-ho (Fenerbahce) Lee Ji-han (Freiburg). The two players were named ‘Kim Eun-joong’ for the first time.
Coach Kim said, “We tried several times for overseas players, but we couldn’t call them. This time, in fact, we couldn’t call them, but we sought cooperation during the business trip and recruited them with difficulty. If possible, focus on how these players can integrate into the team. I think we should look at it,” he said.
The newly joined European players are making a firm will. Cho Jin-ho, who joined for the first time, said, “My first goal is to make the final list in good shape. I hope to show good shape during the World Cup.” Lee Ji-han, who was originally scheduled to join the group late on the 1st, rushed to Paju as soon as he got off the plane.
Manager Kim said, “(The final list) is actually close to 80-90% prepared. Players who are not prepared will not be able to go to the World Cup even if they have participated in the Asian Cup. That’s why this tournament is so important. Prepare well. “I’m trying to select a player with a sense of purpose. I have a little trouble in the midfield and wing forward. I hope it turns into a happy worry. I hope all players prepare well and make it difficult for us to choose.”먹튀검증
▶Variable change in venue, Manager Kim Eun-joong “It is essential to adjust to jet lag”
Korea will face France (22nd) – Honduras (25th) – Gambia (28th) in Group F in this tournament. 24 teams will participate in this tournament. The 1st and 2nd placed teams in each group and the top 4 teams from the 3rd placed teams advance to the Round of 16.
The venue for this tournament has changed with only two months left before the opening date. Originally scheduled to be held in Indonesia, the event was to be held in Argentina. Due to the fact that it was so urgent, it was not possible to conduct an on-site due diligence. Coach Kim said, “It seems that the first thing is to adjust to the jet lag. The season itself is getting warmer in Korea, but it is getting colder in Argentina. “I’m preparing for the second game. I’m setting my goal high. I have to do well in the group stage to have the next goal. The tournament game depends on my condition and confidence on the day.”