Bento’s crown creaked, Gyeonggi was lost

Hwang Eui-jo (left) and Son Heung-min go toe-to-toe after scoring the first goal together in their match against Mexico in Austria on the 15th. Hwang Eui-jo finished off Son Heung-min’s cross with a non-stop shooting. [사진 대한축구협회]

Expedition to Europe in the era of the Corona 19 pandemic. Was it unreasonable or was it an inevitable choice?

The COVID-19 outbreak occurred in the Korean soccer team, which trained and played in Europe. The Korean Football Association announced on the 14th (Korean time) that four players and a staff member, including Kwon Chang-hoon (Freiburg), Hwang In-beom (Rubin Kazan), Jo Hyun-woo (Ulsan) and Lee Dong-jun (Busan), were infected with Corona 19. In the retest on day 15, the infections of Sang-ho Na (Seongnam) and Moon-hwan Kim (Busan) were confirmed. A total of 7 people are infected, but there may be incubation cases. The route of infection is uncertain. It may have been hatched in Korea or it may have been infected while flying or staying in the field.

The reason why the Football Association has made an expedition to Europe is due to multiple reasons. After Corona 19, it was not possible to continue with a single A-match for a year. Coach Paulo Bento was looking forward to an expedition to Europe. This is because it is an opportunity to face Mexico with elite members like Irving Rosano (Naples).

The Football Association also considered the question of money. Due to Corona 19, the Football Association was unable to match match A, the main source of income, and revenues fell dramatically. Match A is also an opportunity for sponsors to be exposed. The International Soccer Federation (FIFA) has provided emergency assistance of $ 5 million (5.7 billion won) to national associations facing financial difficulties. The Korean Football Association is reported to have also submitted an application.

Australia also canceled an evaluation match against England this month in London. Korea has chosen Austria as the location, which is considered a clean area for Corona 19. In early September, there were 200 confirmed cases in Austria on the 1st. Since last month, the number of confirmed cases has risen rapidly, and the 12 there were about 9000 people. Japan also played an evaluation match with Panama in Austria on the 13th.

Paulo Bento, coach of the Korean soccer team. [사진 대한축구협회]

The national team only came and went from the stadium and local accommodations. The hotel also rents the entire apartment. However, it wasn’t completely under control, like running around a local without a mask on the training ground track. In particular, four domestics were infected and had weakened immunity after the season.

The Football Association decided to hold the summit in Mexico four hours before kick-off in consultation with the Mexican and Austrian associations. According to FIFA rules, only 13 or more players can continue. Japan also played the match on the 13th, despite the fact that two confirmed people left the opposing team (Panama).

On the 15th, in the evaluation match held in Vienna, Austria, Korea lost 2-3 to Mexico. Korea played the game with 19 players minus 6 infected players. Hwang Eui-jo (Bordeaux) scored the opening goal in the 21st minute of the first half, but 3 runs between the 21st and 4th minute of the second half. Due to the lack of players, midfielders Won Doo-jae (Ulsan) and Jung Woo-young (Al Sadd) stepped up as defenders.

At 10 pm on the 17th, an evaluation match between Korea and Qatar is scheduled in Austria. The football association said: “We have to discuss with the Qatar and Austrian associations whether to celebrate or not. The player’s health comes first. We will further strengthen various quarantine guidelines. ”

Infected people will be quarantined on site for 10 days and released after receiving a negative test. In the case of Ulsan goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo, who was confirmed confirmed, it is uncertain to participate in the Asian Champions League (resuming in Qatar on the 18th). An official from the Ulsan club said: “We are preparing for a blank. I just hope the rest of the players, like Won Doo-jae, Kim Tae-hwan, and Jeong Seung-hyun, are safe. ”

The British media are also paying attention to the news of the Korean national team. It’s because of Son Heung-min. The Daily Mail said: “Son Heung-min was not infected. However, if confirmed, it is necessary to self-isolate in Austria. Tottenham are very worried ”. Football London reported that “Tottenham fans are praying for the healthy return of Son Heung-min.”

Reporter Park Lin [email protected]