[Anchor]
The South Korean men's football national team, aiming for its fourth consecutive championship, raised expectations by securing a resounding victory in its opening match yesterday (September 15). In particular, wildcard selections Eom Ji-sung and Yang Hyun-jun spread their wings wide on both flanks.
Hong Seok-jun reports from Nagoya.
[Reporter]
The national team had faced growing anxiety and expectations falling short due to a win rate below 50% following the launch of the Lee Min-sung regime. However, the team was completely transformed with the addition of 2002-born same-age forwards Eom Ji-sung and Yang Hyun-jun as wildcards.
Starting as the left winger, Eom Ji-sung energized the pitch with his trademark energy, completing a hat-trick in the first half, while Yang Hyun-jun carved out attacking pathways from the opposite flank, combining to secure a 4-1 landslide victory.
[Lee Min-sung / Head Coach, Asian Games Men's Football National Team: It seemed that our penetrations into the space behind the defense were executed quite well.]
Having been named to the North and Central American World Cup roster side-by-side last summer and stepping onto the stage of their dreams for the first time in their lives, the two players gritted their teeth even harder following a shocking elimination in the round of 32.
In particular, Eom Ji-sung is wearing the number 7 jersey of Son Heung-min, who is also his role model, and is determined to recreate the golden glory of this tournament just as Son did eight years ago.
[Eom Ji-sung / Midfielder, Asian Games Men's Football National Team: He is a player I like so much, and Son Heung-min as well performs as number 7 in the World Cup and the national team, so there was certainly some pressure. I think things going well from the early stages led to a good result.]
Yang Hyun-jun is shedding thick sweat with a more resolute mindset than anyone else.
[Yang Hyun-jun / Midfielder, Asian Games Men's Football National Team: I am putting my life on the line for this tournament. Because I am preparing for this tournament with such desperation, I will definitely win and return to Korea.]
Now, the next goal is victory in the second match against Saudi Arabia.
Marking a fresh start, the Taegeuk Warriors are dreaming of a shining tomorrow and have started running vigorously once again toward the nation's first-ever fourth consecutive title.
(Video Journalist: Yang Doo-won, Video Editor: Park Sun-soo)
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