Nat`l soccer coach under fire amid huge upset loss to Lebanon

Nat`l soccer coach under fire amid huge upset loss to Lebanon. November. 17, 2011 01:12. yjongk@donga.com.

"We did nothing right."

The Korean national soccer team, ranked 31st in the FIFA world rankings, lost to Lebanon (146th), 2-1, Tuesday in their fifth Group B game of Asian qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Both Korean fans and soccer experts are puzzled. The website of the Korea Football Association was bombarded with thousands of posts criticizing the national team. The association was overwhelmed by calls of complaints.

Korea (three wins, one draw, and one loss) and Lebanon both have 10 points to lead Group B, but the former is ahead thanks to goal difference. The Taegeuk Warriors need at least a tie in its final group game against Kuwait on Feb. 29 next year to advance.

○ No distinction

Experts were quick to blame the problems of Korea, citing the lack of "fast soccer" pursued by coach Cho Kwang-rae. SBS soccer analyst Park Moon-sung said, "I couldn`t see Cho`s plays of fast thinking and fast tempo."

The coach has stressed short passes and fast movement to make room and create shots since taking over the team, but this plan seems long gone. As a result, no distinction was made in tactics and players seemed confused.

On Cho`s excuse that the grass on the field was poor, KBS soccer commentator Han Joon-hee said, "He should`ve customized his tactics for bad conditions. There should have been various changes in tactics but there was none. For example, if players cannot accurately pass the ball and have good team play, strikers and midfielders should try to make a breakthrough near the goal and draw a foul from the other team to score on a set play."

○ No alternative options

KBSN commentator Kim Dae-gil said repeatedly, "There should be backup members from the K-league as an alternative if players who play abroad cannot join training. The loss to Lebanon highlighted the national team`s problem of relying mostly on high-profile players."

Korea failed to prepare for the absence of Ki Sung-yeung (Celtic FC), who was in poor condition; the injured Lee Chung-yong (Bolton); and captain Park Chu-young (Arsenal), who was unable to play due to suspension.

Another problem was lack of analysis of Lebanon, which achieved a surprising turnaround in beating Korea after losing their first game, 6-0.

Commentator Park said, "Pro and national teams are completely different but excessive change in positions was a mistake,” referring to the frequent shift of players in the national team to other positions weakening team play.

○ Bleak prospects

One critic said, "Even if Korea advances to the final qualifying round for the World Cup, it might not qualify." If Team Korea remains unstable in the third qualifying round, it might have little chance against much stronger teams in the final qualifying round.

Voices are growing that the coach be replaced, but this prospect has drawn mixed views. Supporters say now is the time for a change since things have remained the same after a year of Cho in control, adding no change is likely.

Opponents say, however, that Korea can still make it to the final qualifying round, it is too early to change the coach, and guiding the national team in a better direction is more important.