Yesterday, the South Korean national team played their first match in the third round of the Asian region against Palestine. It was a home game, and honestly, we should have won this match. We only managed to earn one point against Palestine at home, which is disappointing. We had expected to win every match, and while it's possible to draw in some games, starting off with a draw is disappointing. However, there were definitely talking points from the match. 

Now, let's analyze the game. The red team represents South Korea, while the blue team represents Palestine. As those who watched the game would know, Palestine set up their defense quite well. On the other hand, South Korea's start was almost...

On the third day, we played in a roughly similar manner. However, recently, when watching teams that have a complete backline, it seems that they position their fullbacks at a height that corresponds to the fullback's position. For instance, if the opponent is defending in a 4-4 formation, teams that place both fullbacks at the height between the first and second lines tend to bring both inside. So, they don’t position them along the touchline as we usually think. In the case of yesterday's match, we played like this in the first half, and in the midfield, we had Jeong Woo-young as the number 6 and Hwang In-beom as the number 8. Therefore, in the 68 position, Jeong-young was basically playing as the number 6.

The two strikers are positioned in the first line of intervals, and then Hwang In-soo, when viewed structurally in relation to the line and the side, allows this space. So when looking at the first line as the second line, the triangle formed by the central midfielder, one wing, and one forward positions itself on both sides. Hwang In-bum, playing as number 8, positioned himself in a way that utilized the space on the left and right. However, what I felt was that in the middle, I’m not sure if it was due to the flow of the game or if it was pre-discussed, or if there was some instruction given in the middle, but there was a slight change in this formation. I remember around 15 minutes into the first half, after that point, Lee Jae-yong started to drop down a line significantly. He moved out and then...

Here, Son Heung-min moves inside, and even if a player moves up, there is a slight structural change. In fact, when functioning like this, it is almost like we are playing in a 4-3-3 formation. On the right side, Hwang Moon-ki started as well. When looking at Hwang Moon-ki's average position, especially when the team is in possession and attacking, we can see that Lee Kang-hee is positioned closer to the right touchline, while Hwang Moon-ki is moving into the inside overlap. There were moments of overlap, but if we look at it from a positional standpoint, he is positioned in the interval between what we call the pocket and the fullback and center-back, which is very close to how we understand playing in a 4-3-3 formation.

I think it took a bit longer. So, when we go up, the two defenders in the back now play about two to three steps forward in the central front. In the end, it's not just 4 against 4; in the case of 4 against something, there is space in this triangle. There is a line here and a second line, but anyway, we have to build up in this area. When we set up in the middle, this space was primarily utilized by someone. From that perspective, it was often Huang In-beom. This is the unit: Lee Kang-in, Hwang Moon-ki, and then Huang In-beom. When Lee Kang-in drops into this space, Hwang Ki can be on the side, and sometimes Huang In-beom crosses a line. But then we need to consider what is rational. If Lee Kang-in receives the ball in this space with his left foot, it leads to what I always talk about—the half-space channel.

When looking at the channel, if we commonly talk about having a player on the opposite side, the advantage of having a player in the channel is that at least two or more players become fixed to the player with the ball. Especially in the case of Lee Kang-in, as everyone knows, he has a high level of technical quality, so even if the space is relatively narrow, he can increase the number of touches on the ball. Increasing the number of touches means that ultimately more players become fixed. In this case, the most significant space that opens up is where? It’s in the interval between the opposite player or the center back. If they move into the interval, they can make a play from there. This type of play was actually seen in the first half as well. However, what was disappointing at that time was when this situation arose, we were discussing the right unit.

We saw Lee Kang-in, and we talked about Hwang In and Hwang Moon-ki. Of course, there were some fluid dynamics within the team, but conversely, if we talk about who was in the left unit, it was a bit more dynamic. Lee Jae-jeong sometimes dropped back or moved across the line. However, I think what was more important was that the left side was a combination of Seol Young-woo and Son Heung-min. It was their combination that was crucial. Ultimately, the overall attacking strategy, especially in the first half, was that the right side, as we just explained, had a central focus where the ball circulation shifted to the right and then moved to the left, which was the most threatening formation. From that perspective, the importance of the two players is tied to the intervals.

When someone goes, and then during that interval, we pull in the fullback and center-back, it goes outward. This, if I recall correctly, was mentioned by the coach before the season opener. After the first half of the opening match, during the cooling break, it was discussed. Girona also set up a situation like this to manifest. However, what Coach Michel said was that the first player to make the run is not our goal; rather, the second player who makes the run is our target. As we just discussed, the idea is to fix the defense. When Inter attacks during that interval, the center-back and fullback will inevitably be pulled back. If we look at the field in halves, the strong side will be the right side. So, in the end...

The second mother, the player Krah, is in a 1-0 situation. In this 1-0 scenario, as we receive the ball, our goal is not to pass it to the first mother Krah, but to the second mother Krah. Coach Mitchell mentioned this during the cooling break, and from that perspective, it was very important for Seol Young-woo and Son Heung-min to match the timing. However, in the first half, this situation almost unfolded exactly as planned, but there were some timing issues. Particularly, if we look at player Seol Hoon, someone was already making a run inside, so he should have pulled it back. As I recall, it was set up like this, as you can see now. However, if it happens like this, it becomes meaningless. Right? There needs to be a player entering this area, meaning there should be a decoy player on this side.

As we move a bit further in, the opposite side becomes empty, creating space. Even if there are players here, like Son Heung-min, positioned in this way, one might say that the fullback's position is maintaining balance. While that could be true, in the current situation where we are attacking with the ball, the best way to maintain balance is to disrupt the opponent's balance. Therefore, in this case, the common approach is to move aggressively, which ultimately means moving towards the goal. Whether we move from here or take an earlier step, it all relates to that intention.

In this situation, as you can see, the back line inevitably sinks, so even if we lose the ball here, the probability of regaining it through a contest is higher. Moreover, even when looking solely at the numbers in the front, we have a better chance of gaining an advantage. Ultimately, when we score a goal, it leads to a situation where we cannot afford to consider balance when we lose the ball. Now, if I recall correctly, the players were positioned quite closely together, and Son Heung-min was trying to move inside a moment too late, resulting in a one-on-one contest. I remember that it became a one-on-one situation, and I believe the attack ended after that turn. This was an attack that effectively utilized the advantageous situation.

It wasn't about electricity. So, yesterday, things should have returned to normal, but is there any point that you feel a bit disappointed about? The part I just mentioned is that, ultimately, while we say that Palestine has an advantage in terms of power, if we look at the flow of the game, Palestine wasn't really playing high pressing. They were almost defending from a middle block, completely sitting back. They were playing in a situation where they started from the middle or a low block. In the end, this means that the space available to play in has become narrower. When the available space is limited, what's important is that details ultimately make the difference. From those details, I can mention the part I just talked about. Is there a significant difference between here and there?

No, no. But with just a 1 or 2 meter difference, and whether that movement is made 1 or 2 seconds faster or slower, the situation completely changes. When it’s 2 to 1, whether it ultimately becomes 1 to 0 or just remains a competition at 1 to 1 is a completely different story. However, I felt that some details were a bit lacking. One thing I observed during the match relates to Seol Young-hoon. Overall, even now, it’s about Seol Young-hoon. When looking at the timing from a height perspective, the opponent has players on the third line, second line, and first line, so Seol Young-hoon needs to ensure that the opponent's second line is high enough at the right timing, as well as when he needs to surpass the opponent's second line. It seems like those timings weren't well executed.

It was caught, but this is something that the coaching staff should have provided more detailed points on. This is not a technical issue; it's tactical. I always talk about making a complete judgment, visually assessing the situation. The ball is over there, our team is here, and given this situation, I might need to raise my height at this timing, or conversely, I might need to maintain a lower height. If my body position is open like this, I'm making decisions based on visual information about the 11 versus 11 situation regarding what judgment to make. Additionally, during the next game, there was an opportunity in the first half that was likely a counterattack chance, where the Palestinian left back was...

It was not going well, and now, looking at the situation, it seems that Seol Young-hoon was probably in a dribbling situation, advancing. In a situation like this, especially considering that Seol-hoon is right-footed and it is a counterattack scenario, the most certain numerical advantage that can be taken here, and considering the player's characteristics, what makes sense is that there is a 2-on-1 situation on the left flank. This likely involved Son Heung-min, and the player in possession of the ball would be Seol Young-woo, the left fullback. As I mentioned earlier, there are two players on the left side. In this case, the simplest yet most effective play that can be made is for a right-footed player to advance. Essentially, when moving forward, the defenders will generally adjust their body position and the direction of their dribble.

So, when I play with my right foot and dribble with my right foot, I think that I need to block this side more because the ball is coming from that direction. However, when I dribble towards the side I'm looking at, my body orientation naturally makes me pay more attention to that side. For instance, if I take a direct shot, I might aim for the goal. This is why, even though the left fullback wasn't completely in a drop-back position, there was still a situation where they were coming in. It was probably about this far away. But I need to utilize that against them, and that's a very important aspect of counterattacks. So, what can I use? Who do I dribble towards? Am I dribbling towards this guy? Yes, if I dribble towards him, at some point...

When I get fixed on someone, what do I do then? If I bend my right foot and pass, who is receiving the ball? Here, it's Son Heung-min receiving it. He controls it, and the moment he touches it, he opens his body. Then, when he makes contact with the ground, I always say that he should keep his foot planted so the defender can't challenge him. If the ball is higher than me, how does the backline respond? They have no choice but to turn around and retreat. Now, if Jumin-kyu is there, and he is behind the defender, when he moves towards the near post, what opens up then? At that moment, the cutback option opens up. The important thing is that the judgment has to be delayed. In Spanish, there's a term called anporisón, which means to adjust timing. The expression itself refers to adjusting timing defensively when you have the ball.

Aggressively controlling timing is a concept that now has two aspects. The defensive timing control is reminiscent of the old Bandai counterattack scenario, where Son Heung-min and Sissoko would run towards the goal. If Son Heung-min blocks this way, Sissoko would then use his left foot to create space; that's what I'm referring to. So, what I just mentioned about tempo in the defensive aspect is about holding back. I usually express this in Korean as to hold back. It means to delay the moment when you decide to do something. 

Now, the defensive timing, in terms of Van Dijk, is at the penalty box line. Of course, depending on the player's characteristics, some may shoot a bit earlier and be a little further up, but from a defensive perspective, if we're talking about holding back, then from the attacking side, when you have the ball, you also need to hold back. In the end, it’s all about holding back.

It's about that. So, when you carry the ball, even if you want to pass or shoot, you need to wait until you feel that the player is fixed in position. Once you feel that they are fixed, you can proceed with your next action. To put it simply and more intuitively, before I take any action, I need to make the other player take an action first. In other words, I want the opponent to react first. So, when defending, it's like saying, Look at the defender first. You might say, Hey, move, move! But if they don't move, then I won't move either. However, once I have the ball and get closer to the box, as I mentioned earlier, the defender will inevitably have to react when I'm near the box. You might think of that as a reaction, but that's not quite right.

I waited for the reaction and then reacted, so it's a matter of being active versus passive. When I observed it, I thought about being active. There was a situation where, on one side, the fullback or winger had the ball, like in a City game where De Bruyne was making a play. Even if a player is here and Son Heung-min is over there, I think there are two major points for improvement. First, in this situation, the player is holding back, but it's a 2v2 situation, so what happens is, for example, if I mark from behind the fullback diagonally, then the center-back has visual information from this position. If the center-back is already covering well, then regardless of the situation, what would happen?

You have to stick close and follow. If I get caught by the right foot, I need to hold on for one more moment and then move forward to see where I'm going. Oh, I'm going inward, right? Going inward, that's right. Another point we can discuss is the movement of the player receiving the ball. Their intention needs to be clearer. What I mean by that is, if the center-back is coming towards me, I’m still going to go this way. Since the center-back is already covering me, and it’s a 2-on-2 situation, not a 2-on-1, what can I do to make it feel more like a 2-on-1 situation? Looking back at the past, David Silva was excellent at this. What did David Silva do well? When he moved in a straight line, look, I always talk about this.

In terms of regional defense coverage, the fullback with the ball is now within the opposing fullback's defensive zone, and I am also within the center back's defensive zone. So, if I move in a straight line from here, what happens? I would end up receiving the ball in almost a 2-on-2 situation, and when I receive the ball, I don't have much time or space—almost none at all. However, there is a way to create that time and space even within this situation. In terms of shape, it’s somewhat like a U shape. I would approach the opponent's defensive zone in a U shape. When I get close to that shape, the opposing player’s defensive zone momentarily overlaps, so when I receive the ball here, it's natural that they will come towards me. But even if they do come, especially in the case of a right-footed player, there is Benzema.

In the same case, he did this very well. Benzema always moved to the left, right? If he receives the ball like this with his right foot, when the ball comes over, he can face the opponent. He can confront the opponent. But as we talked about earlier, if he just lets it go, what happens? He just receives it with his back turned. He ends up receiving it with his back turned, and it becomes a situation where he gets pushed away. Of course, if he comes in and a double team approaches, and if he's at a high technical level, when the double team comes, he can still slip through with his right foot. But statistically, that chance is lower. It feels like the probability decreases. Benzema did well because, ultimately, like David Silva, when he comes here, he receives the ball in a 2-on-1 situation and when he's looking forward, it becomes a ground pass that goes through. This is good.

There were parts that were good, and there were areas that needed improvement. The aspects that were good should continue to flow continuously. On the other hand, regarding the areas that need improvement, while change cannot happen overnight, for instance, if a situation like the one just mentioned occurred ten times during the game, and then I noticed that it decreased to about six or seven times, and later it went down to three or four times, and eventually, it almost stopped happening, then I can say that we are progressing normally and identifying areas for improvement. It also shows that the coaching staff and the players are working on this. 

Now, regarding yesterday's game, we ended up with a score of 0-0, which means we secured one point.

홈 경기였지만 아쉬운 결과가 나왔습니다. 장 코치님이 말씀하신 것처럼 우리가 개선해야 할 점을 확실히 잡고, 이제 5만 경기로 넘어갑니다. 5만 경기에서는 승점 3점을 기대하며, 꼭 승점 3점을 따오는 경기가 되었으면 좋겠습니다.

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