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| S. Korea's Cha says repeat of 2002 not possible |
| Former national player says team needs to lower expectations |
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| The Associated Press (apwire) |
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Published 2006-06-10 23:33 (KST) |
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LEVERKUSEN, Germany
Former South Korean national team player Cha Du-ri has spoken out against expectations that the Asians can repeat their 2002 semifinals showing, saying Coach Dick Advocaat should remain "realistic" with his goals for the 2006 World Cup.
"We should remain realistic. I don't think something like 2002 is possible again," Cha said in an interview in Saturday's Bild newspaper. "Reaching the second round should be our goal for 2006. The group phase is tough enough."
At a welcome party after the team's arrival on Tuesday, Coach Advocaat told reporters: "I want to have at least the same results as last time." South Korea was urged on by home support four years ago and reached the final four, marking the first time the nation had ever won a World Cup match. This time around, Advocaat's team faces Togo, 1998 champion France and Switzerland in Group G.
Cha plays his club soccer in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt, just as did his father, the former Korean star Cha Bum-keun. And Cha Du-ri said he has got over not being selected for Advocaat's side for the World Cup in his second home of Germany.
"By now, it's okay. I've been able to get past it," Cha Du-ri said. "Rage and sadness have subsided. I played at the 2002 World Cup in my own country. And I finished fourth. There can be nothing bigger than that." The striker also said Advocaat, who became national team coach last October, didn't talk to him about joining the Korean squad.
"The coach didn't say a word to me when he was in Germany before the World Cup. But every coach has his own way," he said.
Cha Du-ri will be on hand for South Korea's opener against Togo on Tuesday in his "home" stadium in Frankfurt. But he will be working as a television commentator with his father for South Korean television station MBC.
"I will watch the game very relaxed since I'm working during the World Cup with my father," Cha Du-ri said.
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©2006 OhmyNews
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