3 consecutive Asian Games wins? Of course we have to do it
Eom Won-sang (Ulsan Hyundai), the core of Hwang Seon-hong, who is challenging for three consecutive Asian Games victories, said, “Of course, this is something we have to do.” He said, “My seniors played very well in the last two tournaments, and I know that the people’s expectations are high because of that.”
On the 16th, the expression of Eom Won-sang, who we met at the Hyundai Sports Clubhouse in Dong-gu, Ulsan, was brighter than expected. He couldn’t believe that he was a player who had suffered an injury that almost prevented him from participating in the Hangzhou Asian Games just two months ago. He suffered an injury that ruptured ligaments in his right ankle on June 15 in the first warm-up game against China at Jinhua Stadium in Zhejiang Province, China. Eom Won-sang, who made a big success by scoring two goals that day, had to return home early without being able to play the second evaluation match.
He recalled the situation at the time and said, “It was a feeling I never wanted to feel again.” Eom Won-sang said, “The performance was good, but I constantly thought, ‘Why me, and that’s why at this time.’” It was so hard the whole time,” he confessed. Fortunately, he avoided a fracture during misfortune and returned to the ground through the game against Jeju on the 21st of last month. It was a faster comeback and performance than expected. Usually, a ligament tear takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal and rehabilitate. Regarding the secret to speeding up his recovery, Eom Won-sang smiled, saying, “I didn’t do anything special, I just ate comfortably.” However, it has not yet fully recovered. He explained his current condition, saying, “I still get swelling in my ankle after the game, but the degree of swelling is gradually decreasing.”
In the evaluation match against China, Ko Young-jun (Pohang Steelers) also suffered a knee ligament rupture, and Cho Young-wook (Kim Cheon Sangmu) and Song Min-gyu (Jeonbuk) also collapsed due to the opponent’s rough play. Because of this, there was a voice of criticism that the China match had more losses than gains. However, Eom Won-sang emphasized, “Korea’s three group stage matches will be held at Jinhwa Stadium, where they played against China,” and “Experience the atmosphere of the stadium, the condition of the grass, and the humidity in advance is a very big plus.” He also said, “Most of the national team players have never played a game without VAR after their professional debut,” and added, “This is also a valuable experience gained through the match against China.” There is a high possibility that VAR will not be implemented in this Asian Games, as in the case with China.
From the perspective of the national team, the biggest variable is whether or not Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain, PSG) will join. Due to a recent thigh injury, Lee Kang-in’s participation in the Asian Games is uncertain. In addition, apart from the injury, the agreement between the club and the national team has not been clearly concluded. Lee Kang-in’s ‘best friend’ Eom Won-sang said, “I don’t directly ask if Kang-in will participate because he might feel burdened.” I did,” he hinted.
Um Won-sang and Lee Kang-in are the protagonists of the 2019 Polish U-20 World Cup runner-up. In addition to them, the national team included many members of the time, such as Cho Young-wook and Choi Jun (Busan I-Park), Lee Jae-ik (Seoul E-Land), and Lee Kwang-yeon (Gangwon FC). In 1999, the same age, who have grown up before they know it, have a lot of conversations to recreate the glory of 4 years ago. Eom Won-sang said, “The reason why we were able to achieve good results in the U-20 World Cup was because everyone moved with one goal,” and “We talk a lot about ‘Let’s have a fun atmosphere’ and ‘Let’s go as one team’.” .
However, this time, the national team is concerned that the weight of the front line is falling. However, Um Won-sang asserted, “There is (Cho) Young-wook, and Park Jae-yong (Jeonbuk) and Ahn Jae-jun (Bucheon FC) are also active in the league.” On the other hand, the second line resources are evaluated as the best ever. 안전놀이터 Eom Won-sang said, “I’m worried about whether I can play in the game, too.” Still, I am confident because I have a role that I can play.” Ulsan Hyundai sends Seol Young-woo to Hangzhou along with Um Won-sang. He said, “I believe that I will do well without Seol Young-woo and me. The best scenario is for Korea to win the gold medal at the Asian Games and for Ulsan to win the gold medal (during the Asian Games),” he laughed.