Reporter Kang Dong-hoon = “We will make good use of our colors and play counterattacking football tomorrow.”
Lee Seung-won (20-Gangwon FC) said this ahead of his country’s U-20 World Cup quarterfinal match against Nigeria at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, Argentina on June 5 (KST).
Kim Eun-jung-ho’s ‘captain’ Lee Seung-won played every minute of the tournament from the group stage to the round of 16, helping Korea reach the quarterfinals. He worked tirelessly in the midfield, maintaining offensive and defensive balance, and anchored the team with his steady passing and excellent game coordination.
Lee was also at his best with his sharp kicks, scoring one goal and providing three assists in the victory. When asked about his most memorable moments, Lee said, “The first goal in the first game against France and assisting (Lee) Young-joon’s header.” “It was meaningful to help score an extra goal in a tough situation and get a good start,” he added.
“I know that (Choi) Seok-hyun and (Kim) Ji-soo’s strengths are headers,” he said, referring to Choi’s header from a corner kick against Ecuador in the Round of 16. “I told them beforehand that the corner kick would be strong, so they should be sharp. I think they got into position well and scored easily,” he added.
“Our style and preparation changes depending on the opponent, but the basic background is efficient soccer,” said Lee Seung-won, explaining that Kim Eun-joong (44) pursues the style of soccer. “Even if we don’t keep the ball for a long time, we use our strength reliably when we use it, and we mainly play offense to attack on the counterattack by switching the ball.” “The day before the game, the coach always says, ‘Don’t let tomorrow’s game be your last. I don’t know when I will kick the ball with this team again, so I don’t want to regret it,” he said, which motivated me a lot. 메이저놀이터
Kim is desperate to reach the quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament after defeating Nigeria in the quarterfinals. All the players are united in their goal to make history once again. ‘Captain’ Lee Seung-won is no exception.
“The physicality of Nigeria’s attacking line is not as good as the countries we have faced before, but their skill, speed, and power are an advantage,” he said. “We will prepare for that aspect well and make good use of our colorful counterattacking football to play a fast-paced game tomorrow.”