There will be a lot said about France’s performance in this game. They stepped up the tempo like a team possessed when Korea scored. France should have, on paper at least, walked this game. I’ve been a fan of Korea since Italia ‘90 when I used to watch the highlights video at a friends house and we used to scream in laughter and wonderment at Korea’s shooting from anywhere on the pitch. Their ability to ‘blast it’ from 45 yards was commendable.
So I’m not really surprised at this result. Home advantage for them in the last World Cup carried them through the tournament. But what we need to acknowledge is that such teams from Asia and Africa are simply ‘catching up’ with Europe and the Americas. So their goal wasn’t elegant and certainly wasn’t a blast from 90 yards. But Korea showed stout resolve and determination which goes a long way against a team of the talent of France who did not gel. Thierry Henry had moments of brilliance - something we know he’s capable of - but overall missed some key chances.
So well done Korea. I’ll keep the shirt in the cupboard for now (it’s from the last World Cup, you simply couldn’t get a Korea shirt in England before then) because my team is still in it.
I’m going to be in Germany on Tuesday night. Not at the game but with some colleagues who are German and Swedish. Ohh. That sounds like fun.