Spurs’ Heung-min headlines S. Korean World Cup squad

SEOUL: Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heungmin (pic) headlined South Korea’s preliminary 28man squad for the World Cup, with coach Shin Taeyong set to trim five players before the tournament starts next month.

Taeyong also handed a first senior callup to exciting young winger Lee Seungwoo, who was regarded as one of Barcelona’s most promising talents at its La Masia youth academy before he made the switch to Italy’s Hellas Verona last year.

The maiden selections of 20yearold Seungwoo, Jeju defender Oh Bansuk and Incheon midfielder Moon Seonmin came as something of a surprise but Taeyong said they were not there just to make up the numbers.

“Even though there’s not a lot of time left until the World Cup, they could make it if they impress,” Taeyong told reporters.

Taeyong said he had seen exactly what Seungwoo could bring to the table after coaching the South Korea squad at the Under20 World Cup last year.

Seungwoo was one of the standouts of the tournament, scoring twice, including against Argentina in a 21 victory, as hosts South Korea reached the last 16. “I am more aware of his strong points and weaknesses than anyone else after going through the Under20 World Cup together,” Taeyong added.

Taeyong, 49, said he had planned to forgo a preliminary squad and name just 23 players but injuries had forced him to shuffle his pack. He said his main selection issues were in defence.

The squad is split evenly between domestic and foreignbased players, and Taeyong will have to submit his final squad by June 4.

The Koreans, who will face Mexico, Sweden and defending champions Germany in their group at the finals, are making their ninth straight appearance at the World Cup.

The are scheduled to play tuneup matches against Honduras, Bosnia, Bolivia and Senegal before meeting Sweden in their opening Group F encounter in Nizhny Novgorod on June 18. — Reuters