Coach Park Hang-seo revealed many secrets of the Korean team in the 2002 World Cup

In World Cup 2002, Coach Park Hang-seo along with Chung Hae-soung (former coach of HAGL and HCMC clubs) and Pim Verbeek (Netherlands) are assistants to famous coach Guus Hiddink. Korean team surprising world when going straight to the semi-finals, only lost to Germany 0-1, and the 3rd place match against Turkey 2-3.

Coach Park Hang-seo (left) with coach Chung Hae-soung (right) and famous coach Guus Hiddink The Chosun Ilbo

Taking the occasion to mark the even 20th anniversary of the opening of the 2002 World Cup (May 31), a celebration was held in Korea, but unfortunately, Coach Park Hang-seo was invited to be invited to reunite with Coach Hiddink, who had to decline. because he was busy leading the Vietnamese team to compete with the Afghan team at the same time.

However, the Korean press like the The Chosun Ilbo Coach Park Hang-seo had a private interview about this event, which was posted on May 31, and he revealed many unexpected secrets that made the Korean team’s historic feat.

Accordingly, coach Park Hang-seo recounted: “Our goal is only to get to the 1/8 round, but Hiddink said we will amaze the world. He had thoughts that no one knew, and then we got to the 1/8th round, quarter-finals and semi-finals, I can say my mood at that time was completely unable to understand what happened. Everything was so crazy, I don’t even remember what I was thinking at the time.”

Coach Park Hang-seo also revealed: “There is one detail I remember when we were sure to enter the 1/8 round after winning the match. Portugal (1-0), Mr. Kim Dae-jung (then President of the Republic of Korea) went to the changing room to encourage the players. But Hong Myung-bo (the captain of the Korean team at the 2002 World Cup) suddenly asked about the issue of military service. military. Immediately, the President said, “I have some good news for you.” This completely changed the mood of every player, they became full of excitement that even Coach Hiddink could not do.

This was one of the best moments for the Korean team at the World Cup, as it helped us to play matches that were unimaginable at the time when we eliminated Italy and Spain in the round of 16. and quarterfinals. However, in the 3rd place match, I still regret it, because we were very tired both physically and mentally.”

Coach Park Hang-seo and Hiddink (centre) in a meeting with players at the 2002 World Cup The Chosun Ilbo

Although there was an unbelievable 2002 World Cup with many shocking events taking place from the knockout round, coach Park Hang-seo was also in an interview with the newspaper. The Chosun Ilbo The best match for the Korean team was the opening match in the group stage when we beat Poland 2-0 with two goals from Hwang Sun-hong and Yoo Sang-chul. With Yoo Sang-chul, I’m so sad, I hope he lives at least 10 more years. But it all happened so fast.”

Yoo Sang-chul, former coach of Incheon United Club, along with another member of the Korean coaching staff, coach Pim Verbeek, were two figures in the Korean team at the 2002 World Cup who recently passed away from cancer. . This made Coach Park Hang-seo cry when recalling the memory.

In addition, there is a regret of Coach Park Hang-seo at the 2002 World Cup that he once asked Coach Hiddink to let substitute players (5 people) like Kim Byung-ji and Yoon Jeong-hwan play despite only 1 minute to breathe the atmosphere of the World Cup, but the Dutch military leader did not pay attention. Coach Park Hang-seo said: “Now you can ask Mr. Hiddink directly and he can explain.”

Coach Park Hang-seo in the press conference before the match between Vietnam and Afghanistan at 19:00 on June 1 Independence

About not being able to return to Korea to attend the celebration, Coach Park Hang-seo explained: “Unfortunately, I have to do a duty in the Vietnam team. I miss Mr. Hiddink and the Korean players in 2002. Although I am in Vietnam right now, my mind will always be on everyone, I will be happy to see Hwang Sun-hong, Hong Myung-bo or Ahn Jung-hwan, Lee Chun-soo… will also appear at the ceremony.”