FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Choi Yong Soo has the striking ability to replace coach Cha Bum Kun as the country’s highest international goalscorer.

The 24-year-old Army player first came to prominence in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was an instant hit when he graduated to the national team. He scored seven goals in his first 12 matches at a time when South Korea most needed him—after established striker Hwang Sung Hong was out through injury.

Although he controls and strikes the ball well on the ground it’s in the air that Choi rules supreme. He has that rare ability to float above defences and his powerful neck muscles propel his headers goalwards with stunning velocity. Choi gave South Korea the start they needed in their World Cup qualifying campaign. In their opening game against Kazakhstan he sent the crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul into raptures with a breathtaking hat-trick.

Typically, all three goals came through headers and his tremendous contribution won him a place in all but one of the remaining matches. He rewarded coach Cha’s confidence in him with seven goals in seven starts, making him the top scorer in the final round of Asian qualifying. Cha often asks Choi to roam up front on his own and his height, incredible heading ability and bustling style proves a constant threat to defenders.

He will benefit from the return of the experienced Hwang to the front line and the duo will provide more than a few problems for Holland, Belgium and Mexico in the World Cup finals.