The national team took the control of the game by gagging the opponents midfield showing the reinforced strength training, which Hiddink has been emphasizing, is finally showing results. Most of the players considerably improved their stamina, exceeding the international standard of 120 laps in shuttle runs at training sessions in Jeju. Kim Ho, former head coach for the national team at the 1994 World Cup, commentated that the game tempo sped up in the second half, thanks to the steady physical training.

The assault began with a goal by Lee Chun-soo in the 15th minute set up by a long pass from midfielder Yoo Sang-chul. The floodgates then broke open in the second period with halftime substitute Yoon Jung-hwan firing a missile past the goalie in the 67th minute and forward Ahn Jung-hwan just missing out on a hat trick with two spectacular goals. Scotland scored its lone goal on a header in the 74th minute off a free kick.

The Korean players assimilated Hiddink's concept of "balanced football," achieving a highly systematic mode of play with few unnecessary cross passes and good management of their offensive tempo. However, Team Korea still need to sharpen its response to set plays. While the team obtained many corner kicks and numerous free kicks, none led to goals, whereas in contrast, Korea allowed Scotland's goal from a set piece, raising concerns for defense against these. Kim Jeong-nam, former head coach in command for the 1986 World Cup, stressed that good set play cannot be established in a short time, but only by constant and repeated training.

After the home team's impressive performance the opposing coach offered his take on Korea's chances of making it to the second round of the World Cup finals. "With the team that we played against today. I think they can go."

Before the main event kick-offs on May 31, Korea will face England in another friendly on Jeju Island next Tuesday before finishing their pre-World Cup schedule with France the week after.

(Lee Han-su, hslee@chosun.com )