Koo scores twice in S. Korea's win over Bahrain

Koo scores twice in S. Korea's win over Bahrain

South Korean midfielder Koo Ja-cheol, right, celebrates after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Cup Group C match between South Korea and Bahrain at the Al Gharafa Stadium in Doha, Monday. / AP-Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo Midfielder Koo Ja-cheol scored twice as South Korea beat Bahrain 2-1 to make a flying start in their Asian Cup group opener in Doha, Tuesday (KST). The 21-year-old Koo was successful in his role in central midfield and raised hopes for team manager Cho Kwang-rae who persisted with his tactics of three interchangeable attackers including wingers Park Ji-sung and Lee Chung-yong. South Korea saw the team’s potential in the tournament with a 4-2-3-1 formation putting weight on the central midfielder, supporting the lone striker. The tactic from Cho was Plan B after the failure of shifting left winger Park Ji-sung to play that part. Koo played this role for only the second time following the team’s last warm-up on Jan. 4 and indicated with the opening goal in the 40th minute that the manager’s choice had been a good one. Defensive midfielder Ki Sung-yueng shot from outside the box, and Koo picked up the ball and put it past the helpless Bahrain goalkeeper. Koo scored again in the 52nd in similar fashion. The midfielder deflected the ball into the net after the Bahrain goalie tried to clear a long-range shot by defender Cha Du-ri from the right. “We just enjoyed the game and didn’t worry about the possibility of losing,” Koo said. “What we did was talk to one another throughout the game, including the defenders who gave me instructions on my movement from the back. “Regarding the second goal, I thought Cha would be able to score, which instead came right in front of my foot by luck. “While I’m happy with the win, I would not say I’m perfectly fit as a central midfielder. There are still a lot of things to cover,” Koo added. The team overwhelmed the Middle East squad with lively attacking play. While forward Ji Dong-won was the lone striker, he did not hesitate to take on the defense. Premier League wingers Park of Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers’ Lee Chung-yong, were active and often switched positions to support the inexperienced Ji who previously had only one international cap. “What I’m trying to get from this tournament is to win the title as well as successful performances in roles between experienced players and future prospects,” Cho said. “I also focusing on giving a variation to South Korean football, and my boys have been faithful to their jobs. “As I saw a number of good plays from the boys, I think it’s just a matter of time before the team finds some faults,” the manger explained. The team’s hopes for a shutout win were dashed when defender Kwak Tae-hwi was red-carded for a foul as well as conceding a penalty which Bahrain converted in the 86th minute. South Korea is regarded as one of the favorites for the tournament in Qatar, and will face Australia, another strong title contender, on Jan. 14.

yistory@koreatimes.co.kr