Hiddink Coaches S.Korea in HK Soccer InternationalGuus Hiddink, former coach of the Dutch national side and Spanish giants Real Madrid, will make his debut by coaching South Korea in the 2001 Carlsberg Cup tournament next month in Hong Kong.According to a press release issued by Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) Hong Kong Thursday, December 28, one of the tournament organizers, the Hong Kong showpiece will be the first official game which the 54-year-old Hiddink will preside over for his new employers, the South Korean Football Association. Hiddink was in Tokyo days ago and watched his new side battle out a brave 1-1 draw with Japan, newly crowned Asian champion. Hiddink will bring almost the same squad for the up-coming four-team Carlsberg Cup tournament. Asia's ace South Korea will take on powerhouse Norway, ranked 14th in the world in the opening game on January 24. "I was impressed by the commitment against Japan and although it will take me some time to acquaint myself with the players, I have a rough idea in my mind the prospective stating line-up I would like to see for my opening game against Norway" said Hiddink in a letter to HKFA. World ranked 12th Paraguay is to face host Hong Kong SAR's League XI in another semi-final on January 24. The winners of the two semi-finals will vie for the title on January 27. |
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