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Journalism of Courage
The underdogs have triumphed again as two South Koreans, three Turks and one player from Senegal were named by FIFA in their All-Star Team of the 2002 World Cup on Friday.
A 10-man FIFA committee, headed by former Czechoslovakia coach Josef Venglos, rewarded South Korea’s historic run to the semi-finals by naming veteran defender and captain Hong Myung-bo and midfielder Yoo Sang-chul in the 16 man list.
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DREAM TEAM |
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Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn (Germany), Rustu Recber (Turkey) Defenders: Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Sol Campbell (England), Fernando Hierro (Spain), Hong Myung-bo (South Korea), Alpay Ozalan (Turkey). Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Germany), Claudio Reyna (United States), Rivaldo (Brazil), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Yoo Sang-chul (South Korea). Forwards: Ronaldo (Brazil), El Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Hasan Sas (Turkey), Miroslav Klose (Germany). |
It is the first time that South Korean players have been included in such a selection and the recognition follows an outstanding tournament for the co-hosts who beat Portugal, Italy and Spain before a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the semifinal.
“They were both strong in the overall performance of the team. One as a leader and the other as an organiser the man linking Defence and attack,” said Venglos.
“They had an important influence on the spirit, determination and organisation of their team,” added the Slovak.
Centre-half Hong was playing in his fourth World Cup while Yoo was the kingpin in coach Guus Hiddink’s impressive midfield unit.
Turkey were represented by goalkeeper Rustu Recber, defender Alpay Ozalan and lively forward Hasan Sas — all key members of the team that produced their country’s best ever showing by reaching the last four before falling to Brazil.
Venglos said that only players from teams who had reached the quarter-finals were considered for the squad, ruling out players from France, Argentina and Italy who all failed to reach the last eight.
Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf was the only African player in the 16, which will be reduced to 11 by fans voting on FIFA’s official World Cup website (www.fifaworldcup.com).
Finalists Germany and Brazil provided seven of the squad with all members of the ‘Three R’ formation of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo included.
Among the choices that raised some eyebrows was the selection of England defender Sol Campbell when many observers believe his partner Rio Ferdinand was more deserving of a spot.
“Both players are very good,” said Venglos when asked about that decision. (Reuters)
