Korea made it to the finals of the Asia Cup, majestically and methodically. Despite a 1-1 scoreline at half time, the Korean outplayed China in the second half, with precision scoring archestrated by their centre-forward Hyo Sik.
Spike-haired Hyo Sik You scored a brace soon after the lemon time, and came up with another opportunitistic goal in the 68th minute, to douse whatever fire the Chinese carried with them.
In the first, where the contest was even with a tinge of tilt in favour of the Chinese, Korea and China converted their first penalty corner.
Then in the 36th and 41 minutes, Hyo Sik changed the complexion of the game with deft placing of the ball, in a tight and crowded defence. In the 56th minute, in tune with the Koreans ascendency on the field, Hyun Hye Sung scored puncutred the Chinese defence, again from a close range. In the 68th minute, Hyo Sik sealed the Chinese once for all with his third goal.
China had earned three penalty corners in 43rd, 69th and 70th min, but the Korean defence was firm and solid. There was hardly any shots from the indirect effort of China from the last two penalty corners.
Korean coach Cho Myung Jun said his team increased the speed and went full pledged in the second half. “We have lot of experienced players in the side”, said the beaming coach.
Korean Manager Dr.Kim, who sported an english hat, said four of his team members regularly play in the Netherlands league and are battle hardened.
Koreans were the previous edition finalists