New Delhi: “Attack is the best policy,“ Kim Young Kyu, the manager of the U-21 South Korean team muttered on the sidelines as he watched his team being run ragged by minnows Egypt XI during a practice match at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Wednesday.
The game ended 4-3 in favour of the African Championships runnersup who dominated proceedings throughout. The Korean defence was subjected to some serious pressure which exposed the vulnerability of their inexperienced backline.
But as his players walked dejectedly off the pitch, Kim seemed determined to look at the brighter side of things.
The South Koreans have always been known for their fitness and lightning fast counter-attacks and the manager indicated that his wards would depend on those qualities during the Junior Mens’ Hockey World Cup which starts in the capital on Friday.
“Our strengths are speed, organisation and counterattacks. We will play according to our strengths and will go for for a fast, attacking style during our matches,” he told this paper. “Every team wants to be champions. We have come here to win. Every team wants to win. That is why you play.
“Our defence is our weak point. There is a lack of experience in there and the boys are still on a learning curve, but we will have to try and go on the attack so that our defence is placed under as little pressure as possible,” he added.
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