Footbal coach urges overseas S. Korean players to take greater role

INCHEON, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- The head of South Korea's national football squad
called Tuesday on South Korean players in European leagues to play a greater role
in their national team in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Huh Jung-moo made the comment as he came under fire over South Korea's
disappointing draw against North Korea on Sept. 10 in the opener of the final
qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup. The 1-1 tie marked the fourth time this
year that South Korea has failed to prevail over North Korea, ranked far lower in
the world standings.
Departing for Europe at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, Huh said he
is considering picking some of South Korea's top players in Europe to play for
the national team in the upcoming qualifiers.
"Those playing abroad have long been with the national squad, showing fine
performances and knowing well where the team stands," Huh told reporters, leaving
on a six-day trip.
Huh will meet with several South Korean players, including Park Ji-sung of
Manchester United in the Premier League and Park Chu-young of AS Monaco in
France, during his trip, according to football officials here.
"They need to demonstrate that they are ready to make sacrifices for the team
instead of just trying to show off their abilities," Huh said. Huh has routinely
taken trips to Europe to meet with South Korean players performing in some of the
region's top-notch leagues.
South Korea will also face Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the final qualifying
round. The team will play the UAE at home on Oct. 15.