Shin needs to show capability under pressure
It has been a traumatic week for South Korea’s national soccer team but then it could have been much worse. In a week in which the United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and the Netherlands and South American champion Chile also saw dreams of next summer crushed, two friendly defeats don’t look like too much to get disappointed about.
But then the 4-2 loss to Russia on Oct. 7 and then the 3-1 setback against Morocco three days later were just the latest in a lengthening string of poor results and performances. Unsurprisingly, fans are angry, the media is questioning and the Korea Football Association (KFA) is nervous.
Korea has now played eight games in 2017 and won just the one, a nervy 1-0 victory over Syria in Seoul last March. It is a sorry record that almost cost the team a place in Russia next summer, and to be honest should have done so.
The failings of other teams helped as did the dismissal of Uli Stielike as head coach in June. With two qualifiers left, Shin Tae-yong came in and led the team to successive 0-0 ties that were just enough for qualification.
Shin had been given the job until the end of Korea’s World Cup dreams but no sooner had qualifica- tion been secured in September then there were calls for 2002 boss Guus Hiddink to return, sparked by comments from the man himself who hinted that he would be open to some kind of second Seoul spell.
The two games last week did not do much to make anyone feel more confident: either about Korea’s chances next summer or Shin’s chances of being in charge when the tournament rolls around. The Taeguk Warriors have long been liable to lose concentration defensively but it has become a more serious issue of late. It was especially bad last week as Korea was 4-0 and 3-0 down before it pulled goals back.
Playing a 3-4-3 formation, only with players based overseas, left plenty of space at the back and little protection from midfield. If it produced serious firepower, that would be one thing but that was not the case as the team looked toothless in its attack. Russia and Morocco are the kind of teams that Korea needs to be defeating if it is to prosper next summer.
If these were two results in isolation, it would be a little different. Shin is still getting to grips with the job and did not have his full roster available. He has to show however that he is the man capable of delivering results when the pressure is on.
He did it — just — at the end of qualification but there have to be improvements going forward. Shin likes to play attacking soccer and also likes to change formations and keep players and opponents on their toes. It is great when it works.
Much now depends on the two games in November. The KFA is hoping to arrange tests against teams from South America and Europe.
It is not ideal at this stage of preparation when the focus should be on testing new players and line-ups with next June, and not short-term results in mind, but Korea needs a win. Coach Shin needs a win, the media, players, KFA and especially the fans need a win too.