Dong-A previews Korea-Ghana game by the numbers

The national soccer team will play an exhibition game against Ghana at Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

With three months left before regional qualifiers begin for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the match is Korea’s last chance to use its full strength since several major players will start their seasons for their respective European pro clubs.

The Dong-A Ilbo presents a preview of the game versus Ghana by the numbers.

#2 – 2nd striker

A player to fill the vacuum left by Park Ji-sung (Manchester United), who has retired from the national team, must play as a second striker in backing lead forward Park Chu-young (AS Monaco). The player should frequently move from the flanks to the center to breach the opponent’s space and shoot the ball.

National team coach Cho Kwang-rae said, “The role was played by Park Ji-sung. The player who will play the role will be frequently changed positions with Park Chu-young.”

#3 – Three straight A-match wins

Korea has played three friendly games since the Asian Cup in January. The team played Turkey to a scoreless tie in February, beat Honduras, 4-0, in March, and edged Serbia, 2-1, Friday. If Korea beats Ghana, Cho will achieve his longest winning streak since taking the helm in July last year.

#4 – Four-way competition for one position

Competition is fierce for the position vacated by Park Ji-sung. Koo Ja-cheol (VfL Wolfsburg), Kim Bo-kyung (Cerezo Osaka) and Lee Keun-ho (Gamba Osaka) are vying for the spot, but Ji Dong-won (Chunnam Dragons) could also claim it.

#11 – No. of Lee Chung-yong’s goals

Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers) has started 11 of 13 international games under Cho. The midfielder was impressive in last year`s World Cup in South Africa with two goals but has yet to score under Cho.

“I regret having scored no offensive points for almost a year since the manager took charge,” Lee said. “I`ll get an offensive point without fail in the match against Ghana.”

#15 – Ghana’s world ranking

Ghana, which advanced to the quarterfinals of last year`s World Cup, is a soccer powerhouse that ranks 15th in the FIFA world rankings. Many of its leading players, including Michael Essien (Chelsea), will not play in the game.

Korea, which is 31st in the world rankings, is 1-2 against the African nation. Ghana defeated Korea in two friendly games in 2006 by the identical score of 3-1 but lost to Korea, 3-0, in the 1997 Korea Cup.

#2,000 – Will game-day tickets sell out?

Seoul or Suwon have hosted most of Korea`s international games but Tuesday`s match will be held in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. This will be Jeonju’s first hosting of an international game since August 2005, when it was the venue for a game between the two Koreas in the East Asian Football Championship.

Nearly 43,389 tickets have been sold for the Ghana game except for 2,000 to be sold at the stadium on game day.