The Taegeuk Warriors will have a return match against Uruguay, a strong player in South America, after about 4 months. Attention is focused on whether he will overcome his opponent’s inferiority and earn his first victory under Jurgen Klinsmann’s coaching system.
The Korean national team will play an A match against Uruguay in March at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 28th. On the 24th, the national team drew with Colombia 2-2 with Son Heung-min’s multi-goal goal in Klinsman’s first game.
Coach Klinsman said in a press conference held at the National Football Team Training Center (NFC) in Paju, Gyeonggi-do on the 27th against Uruguay, “Uruguay is a South American powerhouse like Colombia, but we a good team, so I hope we can play a good game.”
Regarding the game against Colombia, he said, “I think we played a good game.”
Uruguay is 16th in the FIFA rankings, nine places higher than Korea (25th). Korea have faced 9 times in total and are completely inferior with 1 win, 2 draws and 6 losses. The most recent game was a 0-0 draw, a Qatar World Cup Group H group stage match in November last year. At that time, Korea was leading the game against Uruguay and played a draw, and Uruguay also hit the goal post twice, showing the appearance of a strong team.
The signature of the Uruguay national team is ‘world class’ midfielder Federico Valverde. As a key player in the midfield of Real Madrid, the strongest team in Europe, he has scored 12 goals in official matches, including 7 in the league, this season, showing his growing skills. He made a rough tackle on Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) during the World Cup and La Liga matches in Spain, which left a bad impression on Korean fans, but his skills are unquestionable.
If Uruguay has Valverde, Korea has “monster defender” Kim Min-jae (Napoli). Kim Min-jae said, “The thing that Valverde does best is shooting,” and said, “If you get into shooting distance, you have to go out and block.” Regarding the bad relationship with Valverde, he said, “There were a lot of bad situations, but I don’t think I should put emotions into it.”
The coach praised Klinsman, who was next to him, saying, “Looking at the path that Kim Min-jae has walked over the past few years, I am proud and proud.” he added.
Admiral Marcelo Brolly, head coach of Uruguay, said, “I came here after playing against Japan, and the team played a good game, so the atmosphere is good. Korea is also a strong team, so I’m looking forward to it.” Uruguay drew 1-1 with Japan on the 24th.
Uruguay was wary of Korea’s offensive power. “Korea’s strength is the fact that there are many players who play in top leagues on the offensive side,” said Brolli. “We will focus on playing our own game against strong attacks.”
Centerback Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP) said, “Korea and Japan have excellent skills and are strong teams with many good players. As a defender, I will respond tactically,” he said.
Reporter Kwon Joong-hyeok green@kmib.co.kr
