The Hindu : Sport : Can China upset Korea?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 14, 2006
ePaper

Sport

Sport

Can China upset Korea?

S. Thyagarajan

DOHA: The fall of the sub-continent surprises none. Korea began the process in 1986 at Seoul. China signalled the end here. With a display that underscored the efficacy of athleticism and adeptness in tight situations, China's conquest of Pakistan in a late comeback on Tuesday was as historic as it was dramatic.

There is no point in harping on that China's 3-2 win over India was a fluke. The defeat of Pakistan underscored the fact that China has absorbed the right mix of technique, tactics and speed; the elements that propel Korea to be part of the elite zone.

When China takes on South Korea, which is the defending champion, on Thursday, a filament of apprehension surfaces in identifying the latter as the favourite on track record.

Since 1986, no Asian country has achieved as much. The 3-0 win in the pool game against China resulted from an impeccable show. But will it be repeated is hard to predict.

The best placing for China, which came on the scene in 1982, has been a fifth place-in 1990 and 2002.

China's Korean coach, Kim Sang Ryul, is a past master in the art of crafting a strategy reflecting ingenuity. As one who shaped the destiny of Korea since the eighties, he knows too well the tactics of his opponents.

On Tuesday, South Korea beat Japan 2-0 to make it to the final. Jang Jong Hyun scored both the goals in the second session after a barren first half.

Thursday's matches: (7-8): Bangladesh v Chinese Taipei (11.30 a.m.); (5-6): India v Malaysia (2 p.m.); (3-4): Pakistan v Japan (5.30 p.m.); Final: Korea v China (8 p.m.).

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport