Korea vs Jordan: Player Ratings

All in all, a dull game with few standout performers.

Jinseok’s first half reactions

I was originally supposed to do ratings, but then I realized the game starts at 9:30 ET. Unfortunately, I have class at 10:30..

Overall, I’m not impressed. Particularly with the defense, who left way too much space between the DF line and JSR. I initially thought HKY was filling in pretty decently for KSY’s absence, but soon realized we’re really missing him. The midfield hasn’t really been working and we are seriously having trouble finding shooting chances.

Jae’s 2nd Half Reactions

Dull. The switch of Jang Hyun-soo for Cho Young-cheol seemed a significant switch to defense to kill the game with a very defensive double-pivot (against a team playing 10 behind the ball). It’s obvious there is little cohesion/chemistry between the players and it looked a bit like individuals just running around trying to make ‘things’ happen.

*Note: Jinseok’s 1st half ratings come first. My (Jae) 2nd half ratings are after (in italics).

*Understanding the ratings:

Jinseok – In my rating system, 6 = the neutral score.

Jae – Like Jinseok, 6 is the starting point (neutral, nothing really good, but nothing really bad). I go by 0.5 increments (what’s the difference between a 6.1 and 6.2?).

Players

Jung Sung-ryong: 6 – Hasn’t had to do much. He didn’t do anything wrong, didn’t do anything spectacular, although he did technically make one save which I guess. Fun fact: the opposition goalkeeper is named Yashin!

6 – Little to do again. Jordan got a couple shots off, but nothing too troubling. A safe game for him to make his KNT return, but nothing new learned.

Kim Young-gwon: 5.5 – I am not convinced. There’s always a mental lapse latent in him.

5.5 – Little to do, but managed to give the ball away cheaply allowing Jordan a dangerous break. Fortunately they wasted the chance again. Is it time to accept that this is the player Kim Young-gwon is?

Hong Jeong-ho: 6: Again, hasn’t had much to do, and was guilty of ballwatching right before Jordan hit the crossbar

6 – Nothing to do in second half. Covered Kim Young-gwon’s mistake adequately.

Park Joo-ho: 6.3 – he’s been decent and his “ball guarding” ability is not bad, but the space behind him keeps getting exposed, and if it wasn’t for all these offsides there might be some serious consequences against a higher level team.

Yoon Suk-young (45′): 6 – His crossing remains iffy, but he got in a nice free kick that ended up with Lee Chung-yong hitting the post.

Cha Du-ri: 7 – I like his attack and his assist was  really nice, but I can’t help but feel that against teams like Japan, the vast amounts of space he leaves behind him is going to get exploited.

Kim Chang-soo (45′): 6 – Industrious, but lacking the quality that Cha Du-ri brought in the first half.

Han Kook-young: 6.5 – I guess he didn’t make too many mistakes but oh boy he really sucks at shooting and at the end there he REALLY should’ve passed… PJY was perfectly set up for a shot…

6 – Hard working as usual, but still lacking the technical ability to play as a single pivot.

Nam Tae-hee: 6.7 – typical NTH, not as involved as usual though.

6 – Lots of running trying to cover both the deeper creative role and prompt attacks. Did okay with the former, but not great with the latter. (subbed off 82′)

Koo Ja-cheol (82′): s.v. – A short cameo for the ‘captain’. Got a shot off which hit the side netting.

Han Kyo-won: 7 – until the goal he was decent.

6.5 – His direct running was probably Korea’s biggest threat, was subbed off midway through (64′)

Lee Chung-yong (64′): 6.5 – Showed some signs of the form he’s had with Bolton recently. Hit the post with a header, and played a nice through ball to Kim Chang-soo.

Kim Min-woo: 6 – Jinseok seems to have forgotten to include him. Not as good as he was last month. Looked to be a little lost in the sea of midfielders.

Son Heung-min (70′): 6 – Not a lot of time to impact the game, but looked lively (not injured). Got off a shot (that was blocked). Not sure though why he was risked.

Cho Young-cheol: 6 – I think he was the most invisible out of the MF 5, though he hasn’t messed up big time either.

Jang Hyun-soo (45′): 6 – Again used as a defensive midfielder. Was okay, but same problems exist as last time.

Park Ju-young: 6 – he hasn’t done too much (there really hasn’t been much service from the MF anyway) though if I had to nitpick he’s had a couple impressive flicks and movement. The PJY – NTH – CYC sequence, his flick to a running CYC (I think it was CYC), and his movement into space while trying to get a header come to mind.

6 – Had a couple nice moments, but as a one-top didn’t do enough for me. Remains a player of 5 years ago, too static and passive waiting for the ball to come to him, which didn’t happen enough. Granted he had little service, but . . .

Coach (Jae only)

Uli Stielike: 5.5 – Another very “experimental” team selection. Something I’d accept, IF something useful was coming out of it. And I can’t see anything new to be honest. Granted I probably watch the team more than Stielike has historically, but surely his coaching staff could tell him these things? Stielike will probably field an almost completely changed XI vs Iran next week. Perhaps it’ll work out in the long run, but the Asian Cup is looking like it might be a disaster.