Well, that was disappointing wasn't it. Perhaps the training has been focused less on friendlies and more on gaining endurance ahead of World Cup. Or the players have been distracted by the press and attention they've been getting. Or maybe it was just a bad day.
Korea came out flat from the get-go with the best chances going to Tunisia. They were more or less lined up as I suggested last night outside flipping the two CHs in a vanilla 4-2-3-1.
Korea looked startled by the intensity and daring that Tunisia showed in the early moments. And soon passes went errant and KNT players moved as if their boots were made of lead. Chances were few and far between and before halftime, somehow the back four allowed Dhaouadhi to run right past unmarked and proceed to score what would be the only goal of the match.
The second half was only marginally better than the first. Korea started carving out far greater portion of possession and had a bit more urgency to its play. Yet still players lacked either the creativity or accuracy to connect the cutting pass in the final third and much of the possession was harmless with only a handful of shots, let alone on frame, to show for their efforts.
What to take of this mess? Hopefully it serves as a wake-up call for HMB and the players. Certainly we've seen this squad play better against higher quality sides. But perhaps we should reconsider our expectations... the lack of form shown by players who have spent much of the season injured or on the bench may be more of a hindrance than we thought.
Player review:
Jung Sung Ryong: Was disappointed to see him start and disappointed by his play. He misjudged some balls, such as just barely getting a hand to a free kick, He looked to lack confidence in the box and was hardly the leader we need.
Hong Jeong Ho: Looked pretty hesitant out there. He looked to be guessing rather than instinctual which will be punished by better sides. He suffered a sprained ankle though initial reports are that he didn't even need a doctors visit.
Kim Young Kwon: The better of the two CHs, showing a bit more assertiveness that was lacking. Unfortunately the whole back four looked out of sync and he was not blameless in the poor defending either.
Yun Suk Young: Ok going back and strong going forward... but wow was his touch off with passes going into row Z. Hopefully it was just jet lag because his intelligence and dynamic athleticism was plain to see.
Lee Yong: Was slightly better than my low expectations but also looked to be caught too far forward more than once.
Han Kook Young: Tried to live up to the destroyer role and was energetic even if a bit clumsy with his tackling. Really provided nothing going forward though.
Ki Sung Yueng: Looked really slow and tentative. Perhaps he was holding back given his recovery from injury but it was far from even average Ki out there. He seemed to grow into the match in the second half a bit before fatiguing out (which is in itself worrisome).
Son Heung Min: He varied between being invisible and poor most of the match. Was able to create a few spots for himself before failing himself either with a poor decision or one too many dribbles. Most glaring was when Park Chu Young was poised to beat the offside trap on the break and Son could have fed him or took advantage of the space behind for a shot. Instead he hesitated and lost the ball.
Koo Ja Cheol: Its hard to believe that this guy was a top buy for Mainz based on his performance today. So many errant passes that defeated what appeared to be good ideas. He also didn't press as well as prior matches. Sometimes it feels like he's trying too hard and plays too quickly rather than letting the game come to him.
Lee Chung Yong: The best of a bad bunch of starters, but even he was beset by sloppy touches and poor decisions. Yet he was our only source of buildup and danger with his runs and passing. Hopefully his lack of brilliance was indicative of the players being low after a tough training regimen.
Park Chu Young: We got bad PCY today which means that I barely knew he was playing (and certainly his temporary shirt number didn't help). He seemed to flit in and out but hardly took charge up top and provided no danger.
Lee Keun Ho: At least he tried. He's still far from his best but he worked hard and stretched out the defense with his runs. His decision making still leaves a lot to be desired.
Ji Dong Won: I have to start thinking that he deserves a bigger role. He was so intelligent in his short time on the pitch and looked the same guy that flashed at the tail of this season for Augsburg. Looked smooth and confident.
Kim Bo Kyung: He was aggressive in attack which was good. Unfortunately he ran himself into bad spots and made some poor decisions.
Ha Dae Sung: Looked ok and probably better than Ki but showed nothing that indicated that he deserves a starting spot.
Kim Jin Su: Didn't do much.
Kwak Tae Hwi: I know I gave him grief last night but he actually showed some physicality which was sorely lacking in our defense. I like HJH far, far more as a player but perhaps our back four is too soft with him.
What changes would I make? Certainly there should be some rest before next friendly... the players will be lacking confidence and some spark in the legs is sorely needed. As for lineup, I hope that HMB seriously reconsiders Koo as his 10. I know he's the captain but I think it would be addition by subtraction at this point. Hopefully Koo can find his form but I think we need a plan B.
I'd move Son into the hole where he drifts anyway and move Ji to the left. Ji is smarter out wide than Son and would provide a bit more intelligence in the buildup that Son lacks while allowing Son to focus on the box where he's best used.
That said, I don't expect many changes outside maybe HJH's health. Hopefully no major overhaul is necessary so late and we can find some confidence next week.
