Former World Cup heroes call on current players to compete with confidence

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Members of the most successful South Korean World Cup team had a straightforward message on Thursday for the current players bound for this year's big tournament: play with confidence. "Team 2002," made up of players and coaches from the 2002 World Cup squad that reached the semifinals, held a charity match at Seoul World Cup Stadium to help generate more buzz for next month's tournament in Russia. To a man, the former stars said the active players should not back down against their opponents despite their underdog status. South Korea, ranked 61st, have been paired with Germany, world No. 1 and the defending World Cup champions, plus Mexico (No. 15) and Sweden (No. 23) in Group F. "I don't think the fans expect the team to go out and win all three matches," said former striker Choi Yong-soo. "I hope the guys will leave everything on the pitch and play with the pride that they've reached the ninth consecutive World Cup." Ahn Jung-hwan, who famously scored the sudden death, extra-time winner against Italy in the round of 16 in 2002, said he had plenty of confidence in this year's team. "There are more talented players on this team than our team," Ahn said. "I am sure they'll post good results." Choi and Seol Ki-hyeon predicted Tottenham Hotspur attacker Son Heung-min will score South Korea's first goal. Song Chong-gug, a shutdown midfielder in his heyday, picked emerging forward Hwang Hee-chan. "Sweden (South Korea's first opponent) will look to establish a defensive presence and then try to score on counterattacks," Song noted. "Hopefully, we'll try to score on fast breaks." Lee Chun-soo, a one-time prodigy now doing TV analysis work, said he sees a bit of his previous self in Lee Seung-woo, the youngest member of this year's team at 20. Lee Chun-soo was himself South Korea's youngest player at the 2002 World Cup at 20. And though the current provisional roster of 26 will be cut to 23 by the weekend, Lee Seung-woo made a strong case for his inclusion with an impressive showing against Honduras in Monday's friendly match. Lee Seung-woo, a former FC Barcelona youth product now playing in Italy, has ruffled some feathers with outward displays of emotion during matches. The youngster has been a polarizing athlete -- his fans love his competitive fire and enthusiasm but his detractors see him as an immature player with little respect for the game. Lee Chun-soo fell in with the former. "I think he can have a positive influence on the team," the retired star said. "I know some people are concerned that he can ruin the team atmosphere, but I think someone like him can provide a breath of fresh air. At the 2002 World Cup, some of the veterans kept me grounded. I think the current group of veterans can do the same with Lee Seung-woo." As for the young player's oft-controversial behavior, Lee Chun-soo said, "As long as it doesn't hurt the team, I think that kind of confidence can work on a big stage like the World Cup." jeeho@yna.co.kr (END)