English Premier League footballers Lee Young Pyo and Park Ji Sung go head to head
In the 24-hour society that is modern Korea, 11 p.m. on Saturday night is hardly considered late but this weekend there will be even less people tucking into bed at that time.
The reason is that 9,000 kilometers away in northwest England, Park Ji Sung and Lee Young Pyo will go head to head for the first time in their careers, as Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
This is a big game in its own right, as second and third in the standings do battle. A year ago, such a meeting would have seemed impossible with both players starting for PSV Eindhoven.
Though a last minute coaching decision could leave one or both off the roster for Saturday's game, a number of factors seem to hint at their being called up.
Tottenham's Lee has played every game he has been fit, while Park's chief rival in United, Ryan Giggs, fractured his cheekbone in a Wednesday match.
South Korea's two most famous soccer stars are starting to make waves after summer moves north from the southern Netherlands. The fact that the "Taeguk Duo" spent almost three years together near the North Sea under Guus Hiddink only makes their encounter on Saturday all the more fascinating.
Lee and Park are firm friends and have played on the same team, the national team and PSV, so often that they know each other's games inside out. It will be in the Old Trafford Stadium, on a late autumn afternoon in Manchester, that the pair will get a chance to apply that knowledge.
After an indifferent start at the home of global giants, Manchester United, Park has shone in recent weeks in wins against Fulham and Sunderland. Tottenham, in second place, will be a tougher place but the frontrunner to be the Asian Player of the Year is full of confidence, especially upon being made captain for 10 minutes in United's midweek Champions League game with Lille.
Lee has slotted into the left side of the Spurs defense and already plays like he has been at the London club for years. The game at United will be big one for the 28-year-old but with a wealth of World Cup and Champions League experience already under his belt, Lee, like his junior, will have no problems performing in front of 68,000 fans.
To make the encounter yet more salivating is the highly possible prospect of Park lining up on the right side of United's attack and Lee taking his usual position on the left of Tottenham's defense. It all presents a delicious dilemma for all involved in South Korean soccer and OhmyNews spoke to a few of those and asked them for their take on the clash.
Ian Porterfield (Busan I'Park coach)
The Scot has a wealth of experience around the world and has managed Chelsea, succeeded present United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Scottish club Aberdeen and has coached various national teams.
"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson by phone recently and he was delighted with Park -- his attitude, work ethic, desire to win-everything is impressive.
The arrival of the two boys in England shows the great progress that has been made in Korean football - it is really good. It's a message to all the young players; that it's possible to play in the Premier League. In my opinion, it's the most exciting league in the world, the one that everyone looks to."
Ka Sam Hyun (Director General of the Korean Football Association)
"It's important that both players play.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotpsur are in good positions and I hope that Lee and Park play well and get the result according to their performances."
As for the result - how could I possibly say? I wish them good luck, 50 percent to each player.
I hope many Korean fans watch the game on Saturday night and I'm sure that they will."
Lee Eun Ho (Public Relations Manager of Suwon Samsung Bluewings- Park's hometown club)
"It's a milestone. One year ago there were no Koreans playing in the Premier League but now we have two players.
It is a milestone that we've passed, one that shows how much we've improved. We have two players in one of the best leagues in the world.
As for the result, Lee Young Pyo said that the ideal scenario is for Park Ji Sung to score but Tottenham to win and I agree with that.
My only hope is that both players put on good performances."
Choi Sung Dae (Marketing Manager FC Seoul -- the club formerly known as Anyang Cheetahs, Lee's former team)
"There's a lot of expectation as these two players are representing Korean in one of the biggest leagues in the world - we are very happy to see that.
Lee used to play for Anyang Cheetahs before it became FC Seoul and some of the staff have special feelings for him and feel very proud.
Tottenham is playing well this season in second and United always do well -- it's great."
Yang Te Sam (Yonhap News Soccer Reporter)
"Park is excellent for South Korea -- very physical and clever, he's the most crucial player in the team. All Korean fans hope that he can start instead of Ryan Giggs or Christiano Ronaldo.
We hope that both play well but Park Ji Sung wins. I hope he scores, the time has come for him to score."
Kim Myung Joo (Fan)
"I feel so happy that our players are in the English Premier League. It's a big league and they play for big teams, I feel so proud.
I hope they both play well but I want United to win because Park needs more support. Of course I hope Lee does well as he has been injured recently.
Ideally they both score and get in the spotlight but don't meet on the pitch. If Park plays on the left and Lee also, they won't meet - they know each other so well."
from ohmynews
The reason is that 9,000 kilometers away in northwest England, Park Ji Sung and Lee Young Pyo will go head to head for the first time in their careers, as Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
This is a big game in its own right, as second and third in the standings do battle. A year ago, such a meeting would have seemed impossible with both players starting for PSV Eindhoven.
Though a last minute coaching decision could leave one or both off the roster for Saturday's game, a number of factors seem to hint at their being called up.
Tottenham's Lee has played every game he has been fit, while Park's chief rival in United, Ryan Giggs, fractured his cheekbone in a Wednesday match.
South Korea's two most famous soccer stars are starting to make waves after summer moves north from the southern Netherlands. The fact that the "Taeguk Duo" spent almost three years together near the North Sea under Guus Hiddink only makes their encounter on Saturday all the more fascinating.
Lee and Park are firm friends and have played on the same team, the national team and PSV, so often that they know each other's games inside out. It will be in the Old Trafford Stadium, on a late autumn afternoon in Manchester, that the pair will get a chance to apply that knowledge.
After an indifferent start at the home of global giants, Manchester United, Park has shone in recent weeks in wins against Fulham and Sunderland. Tottenham, in second place, will be a tougher place but the frontrunner to be the Asian Player of the Year is full of confidence, especially upon being made captain for 10 minutes in United's midweek Champions League game with Lille.
Lee has slotted into the left side of the Spurs defense and already plays like he has been at the London club for years. The game at United will be big one for the 28-year-old but with a wealth of World Cup and Champions League experience already under his belt, Lee, like his junior, will have no problems performing in front of 68,000 fans.
To make the encounter yet more salivating is the highly possible prospect of Park lining up on the right side of United's attack and Lee taking his usual position on the left of Tottenham's defense. It all presents a delicious dilemma for all involved in South Korean soccer and OhmyNews spoke to a few of those and asked them for their take on the clash.
Ian Porterfield (Busan I'Park coach)
The Scot has a wealth of experience around the world and has managed Chelsea, succeeded present United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Scottish club Aberdeen and has coached various national teams.
"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson by phone recently and he was delighted with Park -- his attitude, work ethic, desire to win-everything is impressive.
The arrival of the two boys in England shows the great progress that has been made in Korean football - it is really good. It's a message to all the young players; that it's possible to play in the Premier League. In my opinion, it's the most exciting league in the world, the one that everyone looks to."
Ka Sam Hyun (Director General of the Korean Football Association)
"It's important that both players play.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotpsur are in good positions and I hope that Lee and Park play well and get the result according to their performances."
As for the result - how could I possibly say? I wish them good luck, 50 percent to each player.
I hope many Korean fans watch the game on Saturday night and I'm sure that they will."
Lee Eun Ho (Public Relations Manager of Suwon Samsung Bluewings- Park's hometown club)
"It's a milestone. One year ago there were no Koreans playing in the Premier League but now we have two players.
It is a milestone that we've passed, one that shows how much we've improved. We have two players in one of the best leagues in the world.
As for the result, Lee Young Pyo said that the ideal scenario is for Park Ji Sung to score but Tottenham to win and I agree with that.
My only hope is that both players put on good performances."
Choi Sung Dae (Marketing Manager FC Seoul -- the club formerly known as Anyang Cheetahs, Lee's former team)
"There's a lot of expectation as these two players are representing Korean in one of the biggest leagues in the world - we are very happy to see that.
Lee used to play for Anyang Cheetahs before it became FC Seoul and some of the staff have special feelings for him and feel very proud.
Tottenham is playing well this season in second and United always do well -- it's great."
Yang Te Sam (Yonhap News Soccer Reporter)
"Park is excellent for South Korea -- very physical and clever, he's the most crucial player in the team. All Korean fans hope that he can start instead of Ryan Giggs or Christiano Ronaldo.
We hope that both play well but Park Ji Sung wins. I hope he scores, the time has come for him to score."
Kim Myung Joo (Fan)
"I feel so happy that our players are in the English Premier League. It's a big league and they play for big teams, I feel so proud.
I hope they both play well but I want United to win because Park needs more support. Of course I hope Lee does well as he has been injured recently.
Ideally they both score and get in the spotlight but don't meet on the pitch. If Park plays on the left and Lee also, they won't meet - they know each other so well."
from ohmynews
posted by Joa at
Saturday, October 22, 2005
