8강 진출 대표팀에, FIFA도 '깜짝'

기사입력 2009-10-06 09:21

[JES 이정찬] 홍명보팀의 8강 진출에 국제축구연맹(FIFA)도 찬사를 쏟아냈다.

FIFA는 6일(한국시간) 이집트 카이로에서 열린 대회 16강전에서 한국이 파라과이를 꺾고 8강에 오르자 홈페이지에 'Surprise, Surprise(놀랍고, 놀랍다)'라는 기사를 올렸다.

FIFA는 "한국이 파라과이보다 강하다는 것을 입증했다"며 "파라과이는 조별리그를 치르면서 쌓은 기대감을 증명하지 못했다"라고 덧붙였다.

특히 FIFA는 김민우(연세대)가 후반 15분 쏘아올린 추가골을 '오늘의 골'로 선정했다. FIFA는 "김보경의 선제골에 도움을 줬던 김민우의 추가골로 태극전사들은 자신들의 우월성을 뽐냈다"며 "김민우는 측면 공격수에게 패스하는 척하면서 날카로운 슛으로 골을 만들었다"라고 칭찬했다.

한편 FIFA는 이날 경기장을 찾아 응원을 펼친 한국 응원단에 대해서도 '2002년 한·일월드컵의 재림'이라는 표현을 써서 눈길을 끌었다.

FIFA는 "킥오프 직전부터 모인 한국 응원단이 베토벤의 '환희의 송가'를 부르면서 90분 내내 일사불란하게 응원전을 펼쳤다"며 "2002년 한일월드컵에서 붉은 악마의 열정을 되살렸다"고 밝혔다.

이정찬 기자

Surprise, surprise(FIFA.com) Monday 5 October 2009

THE DAY REPLAYED - There was a dramatic beginning to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009, as Italy and Korea Republic pulled off shock wins against their more-fancied opponents.

Despite dominating for most of their showdown in Cairo, tournament favourites Spain had to bow to the superior finishing of the Italians, while the Asians proved too good for a Paraguay side that failed to live up to the expectations they had generated in the first round.

Results
Spain 1-3 Italy
Paraguay 0-3 Korea Republic
*Click on the links on the right for reports and reaction on both of these games.

Goal of the day
Paraguay 0-3 Korea Republic, Kim Min-Woo 60

Already one　　 goal to the good thanks to Kim Bo Kyung's opener, the Taeguk Warriors underlined their superiority when Kim Min Woo added a second five minutes later. Collecting a pass on the right of the Paraguayan box, the Yonsei University man shaped as if to play a pass out to the other wing before unleashing a fierce drive past startled Albirroja goalkeeper Joel Silva.

Memorable moments
Last-ditch defence: On top for long periods against their old rivals, ten-man Spain were rarely troubled in defence, until their opponents took the lead that is. Suddenly goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo found himself frequently in action, and never more so than when a long ball came sailing over the top of the Spanish defence and into the path of Mattia Mustacchio.

The Atletico Madrid custodian was alert to the danger, however, and came speeding out of the box to improvise an amazing headed clearance fully 30 metres from his line. Sadly for Asenjo and his team-mates his speedy intervention onl　　y provided temporary respite.

2002 revisited: With the majority of Cairo's football fans saving themselves for tomorrow's big game between the home favourites and Costa Rica, it was left to a noisy band of around 100 Korea Republic supporters to provide the atmosphere at the Cairo International Stadium.

Having assembled well before the kick-off, the Asian contingent put on quite a spectacle, singing Ludwig van Beethoven's Ode to Joy and moving their bodies up and down in unison. Remarkably, they kept the show going for the whole 90 minutes, bringing back welcome memories of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™.

The stat
15 - The number of penalties Spain have successfully converted at the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals, making them the most prolific penalty-takers in the history of the tournament. That figure would have been 16 had Aaron Niguez not had his second penalty of the day superbly saved by Vincenzo Fiorillo.

Fan's view
"Everyone knows that this is the Italian style! They play weakly in the group and better in the knockout stage. Spain have a perfect start and then, what happens next is anyone's guess," AsadFelistin (USA) comments on the differing fortunes of Italy and Spain.

Tomorrow's Round of 16 ties
Ghana-South Africa
Egypt-Costa Rica
Hungary-Czech Republic

Have your say
Just how far are tournament revelations Korea Republic capable of going at Egypt 2009? Click on ‘Add your comment' and share your opinion with other football fans from around the world.