Korea Republic coach Lee Kwang-jong said there is still room for improvement despite seeing his side hammer India 5-2TASHKENT - Coach Lee Kwang-jong fired an ominous warning after insisting Korea Republic are not the finished article despite beginning their AFC U-16 Championship challenge with a convincing 5-2 win over India.
Lee Chang scored twice, while Kim Dong-jin, captain Rim Chang-woo and substitute Son Heung-min also netted for 2002 champions at the MHSK Stadium, while goalkeeper Kwon Tae-ahn was at fault for a late double for India’s Lalrindika Ralte.
“It was our first match and they looked a little heavy,” said Lee.
“The players were not as sharp as we expected them to be but I am satisfied and hopefully we can progress as we go on in the tournament.
“India have progressed over the years, but they were not up to our abilities.”
Despite the empathic nature of the win, Lee hinted there could be changes in terms of formation and personnel ahead of Monday’s meeting with Indonesia.
Kim, after just three minutes, and Lee scored at the start of each half to send Korea on their way before Rim headed home to extend the lead.
Lee added a second just after the hour mark before Kwon was adjudged to have collected a back pass to allow Ralte to convert from the resulting free-kick.
Son restored the advantage but Ralte again capatalised on an error from Kown, this time the custodian held onto the ball too long with the game drawing to a close, to claim some pride for India.
Coach Lee added: “Our goalkeeper showed a lack of judgment, but that happens at this age and hopefully we can address that.”
India Technical Director Colm Toal was quick to concede his side were beaten by the better side, but insisted the tournament was far from over despite the setback.
He was upbeat after his side created several chances in the first half while 1-0 down, the most significant being when Prem Kumar saw his effort narrowly role wide after capitalising on a defensive error.
“We played against a superior team and we were well beaten,” he said.
“Maybe we played against the most outstanding team in the group; maybe we played against the most outstanding team in the tournament, but the most important things for us is that the tournament is not over.
“There are still two matches to play and if we can get six points we have a good chance of coming second.”
Source:The AFC.com
