Korea national team manager Cho Kwang-Rae announced the 24-man squad ahead of the friendly against Japan in Seoul’s Sang-Am World Cup Stadium. The match will be played on Oct. 12.
Five new faced have been called up for the match as Cho continues Korea’s preparation for the 2011 Asian Cup in January. Yoo Byung-Soo, the leading goal-scorer in the K-League, will finally get his opportunity. Jeju United midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol who currently leads the K-League in assists has also been called up for the first time since Cho has been appointed, along with Ulsan forward Kim Shin-Wook and Pohang Steelers‘ hard-nosed defensive midfielder Shin Hyung-Min.
In addition, Choi Sung-Guk, the former star of Korea’s Olympic squad in 2004, will return after a lengthy spell of absence from international football. Known for his dribbling skills and trickery, Choi will look to continue his impressive track record against Japan as he returns to the national team for the first time since 2007.
Korea’s 24-man squad for Japan friendly
GK: Jung Sung-Ryong (Seongnam), Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan)
DF: Cha Du-Ri (Celtic), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Al Sadd), Cho Yong-Hyung (Al Rayyan), Kim Young-Kwon (FC Tokyo), Kwak Tae-Hwi (Tokyo Sanga), Hong Jung-Ho (Jeju United), Choi Hyo-Jin (FC Seoul), Hwang Jae-Won (Suwon)
MF: Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Koo Ja-Cheol (Jeju United), Shin Hyung-Min (Pohang), Yoon Bitgaram (Gyeongnam)
FW: Cho Young-Cheol (Niigata Albirex), Park Chu-Young (AS Monaco), Yoo Byung-Soo (Incheon United), Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan), Yeom Ki-Hoon (Suwon), Lee Seung-Ryul (FC Seoul), Choi Sung-Kuk (Gwangju).
Yoo Byung Soo at lastttt!!!