KUALA LUMPUR – Are the South Koreans afraid of the Red Sticks?
Following a setback in their opening group match at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, it seems like South Korea is back in business with a resounding 4-1 victory against Canada in their second group encounter at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
The odds now favour South Korea for securing a spot in their ninth quarter-finals since their inaugural appearance in the tournament back in 1989.
However, Korea’s head coach, Young Jang, varies their qualification chances by addressing the potential threat from Spain, whom they will face in the final group match on Saturday.
“I have been watching Spain for a while now, and I have to admit that they are really good.
“They have the ability to instill fear in any defence in the tournament right now, as they possess all the top qualities of classic attacking hockey gameplay.
“If we are not careful enough with our defence, we will be their next victim, and that will pour hot water on our chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“I’m happy that my boys worked hard today and scored four goals to keep our hopes of qualifying for the next round alive. It’s time for us to maintain this same momentum against Spain,” said Jang in a post-match conference today.
Meanwhile, Canada’s head coach, Geoffrey Matthews, said that he hopes his players will improve their flaws to avoid another humiliation in their final group match against the Asian powerhouse, India.
“It was a tough defeat; I thought we played well in the first half, and we knew that playing against South Korea was not going to be easy.
“We couldn’t cope with their high-transition gameplay, and it was tough for us to get back in the match as they were very clinical with their penalty corners.
“We have experience playing against India in the last two World Cups, and we know how strong they are. It’s going to be another tough match, but we will give our best against them on Saturday,” said Matthews.
South Korea’s goals were scored by Dohyun Lim in the 37th, 38th, 42nd, and 46th minutes.
Canada’s only goal of the match came from Robin Thind in the 24th minute.
South Korea temporarily tops Group B with six points, while Spain and India have three points each, remaining second and third in the group standings.
Spain will take on India later today. – December 7, 2023