S. Korea's U-20 World Cup squad returns home, looks ahead to Olympics

INCHEON, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's under-20 World Cup squad returned home Monday to a hero's welcome after reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 18 years.

"Our young players have gained wide experience of playing on the world stage and
the confidence while competing against world-class players," coach Hong Myung-bo
said at Incheon International Airport upon arrival.
Hong, the former captain of the country's national team, will immediately switch
to his next role as the coach of the 2012 Olympics squad, expected to include a
majority of the current U-20 players. Only those 23 or younger can compete in the
Olympics.
South Korea's youth team advanced to the quarterfinals by routing Paraguay 3-0
after a surprising feat in defeating the United States 3-0 in the final group
match to advance to the knockout round.
The team was narrowly beaten 3-2 by Ghana on Friday, losing an opportunity to
advance to semifinals for the first time in 26 years.
"I have realized through the tournament that we need a 'weapon' to win
competitions against the world," said Hong.
Kim Min-woo, 19, turned into a star of the competition held in Egypt, scoring
three goals including the two in the match against Paraguay to clinch the game.
"I was able to find out where I stand on the world stage," said Kim at the
airport. "I'm happy with what we have achieved, but I need to develop and
complement my play further."
The Korea Football Association is scheduled to launch the Olympic squad in early
December ahead of a friendly match against Japan later that month.
The Asian preliminary for the global sporting event will start in 2011.
brk@yna.co.kr
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