Kim Eun-joong, who shouts ‘AGAIN 2019’, takes the first step of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The opponent is strong France.
The Korean U-20 soccer team, led by coach Kim Eun-joong, will play the first match of the Group F group stage against France at Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina at 3:00 am (Korean time) on the 23rd.메이저놀이터
a difficult opponent Korea has 1 win, 3 draws and 4 losses in the U-20 team match against France. The last meeting was the friendly defeat (1-3) in 2019. France also has the experience of winning the tournament in 2013.
Manager Kim Eun-joong also evaluated France as a ‘candidate for the championship’. He said, “France is always a candidate for the championship,” and “I happened to watch the match between France and Japan. As expected, they are a team with very good physical and individual abilities.
Of course, don’t lose your confidence. 190 cm tall striker Lee Yeong-jun (Kim Cheon) said, “France is a country that everyone knows about. To be honest, we deserve to be a bit nervous.” He proudly declared that he had won.
[OSEN=Paju, Correspondent Daeseon Lee] The men’s U-20 soccer team led by coach Kim Eun-joong took a group photo at the Paju National Training Center (NFC) on the afternoon of the 7th. Coach Kim Eun-joong is having an interview. . 2023.05.07 /sunday@osen.co.kr
[Photo] Provided by the Korea Football Association.
In the last 2019 competition, Korea climbed much higher. At that time, Korea, which won the Golden Ball, Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), Oh Se-hoon (Shimizu), Lee Ji-sol (Jeju), Lee Kwang-yeon (Gangwon), and Cho Young-wook (Gimcheon) led them to the runner-up, posting the best ever record. On the other hand, France ended the tournament in the round of 16, being caught by the United States.
However, the great achievements of our seniors may become an excessive burden. Coach Kim Eun-joong, who is well aware of this, announced that he would focus on advancing one step at a time, setting the goal of passing the group stage. He said, “My first goal is to pass the group stage. After that, if I get in good condition and prepare well, I will be able to perform well in the tournament.”
In order to get a good result against France, we have to fend off dangerous flanking attacks. Among them, Wilson Odober (Trois) and Alan Virginius (Lille), who are already active in Ligue 1, should be the most vigilant.
In particular, Odober played 32 league games this season, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists. He can prevent conceding only when he and Virginius, who can digest both the center and the flanks, are well matched. The versatile Alexis Tibidi (Trois), who is playing in the same team as Odober, also needs a close mark.
[Photo] Provided by the Korea Football Association.
[Photo] Provided by the Korea Football Association.
We need strong pressure and a lot of activity, which coach Kim Eun-joong has emphasized from before. Based on the frequently used 4-3-3 formation and 4-2-3-1 formation, we need to play fast soccer that utilizes the side. Only then can the dream of advancing to the round of 16 in three consecutive tournaments come true.
The atmosphere is good. Kim Eun-joong won 2-1 and 3-0 against local teams in a practice match held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Condition recovery and local adaptation were successfully completed.
Manager Kim Eun-joong said, “We have adapted to various climates, such as jet lag. Fortunately, (Argentina) is not much different from Brazil. The players did not have any major problems adapting,” he said. “So far, we have prepared well and are in good condition. I will prepare to show my best condition on the day of the game.”
So are the players. Left defender Bae Seo-joon (Daejeon) said, “I’m looking forward to it and I’m very nervous,” but confidently said, “I’ve prepared something so far, so I’m not worried.” Central midfielder Kang Sang-yoon (Jeonbuk) also said, “I’m so excited and I want to run fast.”
[Photo] Provided by the Korea Football Association.
Meanwhile, the performance of 192 cm tall defender Kim Ji-soo (Seongnam), who will command the defensive line, is also attracting attention. FIFA also selected him as Korea’s key player, raising expectations.
It is also an important stage for Kim Ji-soo. As he recently received a love call from Premier League Brentford, this tournament is expected to be an important showcase. He is also expected to be more motivated than ever as he strongly wants a Premier League challenge.