Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
1988 AFC Asian Cup MVP Kim Joo-sung reflects back on Korea Republic’s first continental campaign in Qatar when the Taeguk Warriors came within touching distance of their first continental triumph since 1960.
1988 was quite a year, with South Korea hosting the Olympic Games and the national team taking part in the Asian Cup in Qatar. From a football perspective, how was that year for you?
By 1988 I had already established my position as a national team player. I had already taken part in the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul and in 1988 there were both the Olympic Games and the Asian Cup.
What was the mood of the Korean camp going into the 1988 Asian Cup?
We were well prepared as we had been playing together with the same team for the Asian and Olympic Games. We were very confident that we could win the Asian Cup.
What do you recall about Korea’s opening match with the UAE, what do you remember about the game itself?
We didn’t have a lot of experience playing against West Asian teams at that time and we also had difficulties adapting to the weather, the pitch, the time differences and the food. But fortunately, we won our first match (1-0) so it was a good start for us.
And what about the next match when you scored the second in the 2-0 ‘East Asian derby’ victory over Japan? That must have been quite a moment for you.
Of course every game is important but playing against Japan always has special meaning for us. We fought for the entire 90 minutes and played with strong spirit. I was very pleased with the result and happy to have helped the team win with my goal.
Korea’s third match was against hosts Qatar, who needed a positive result to keep alive their hopes of a place in the semi-finals. What do you recall about that 3-2 win?
It doesn’t matter if the opponents are considered strong or weak, playing against the host is always tough. But we won the match and we became more solid as a team.
Korea went into the final group stage match against Iran undefeated and guaranteed a place in the semi-finals. How did Korea approach that game and what do you recall about the match itself?
Back then, Iran was one of the best teams in Asia and we expected a tough match. But we actually beat them easily (3-0) because our team condition was better.
What were your feelings going into the semi-final against China and what were you feeling when the match was still goalless at the end of regulation time?
We never gave up until the end and I think that the key to winning was that we were calmer than the Chinese team.
And what do you recall about the final…particularly going into the penalty shootout against the defending champions Saudi Arabia?
We dominated the match and were in total control but we just couldn’t convert the chances we had. It was such a pity. Having to decide the winner by penalties is always a painful experience for both teams.
Missing out on being crowned the kings of Asian football must have been hard to take but you emerged with the highest individual accolade. How did it feel to be named the 1988 AFC Asian Cup MVP?
Usually the MVP comes from the winner of a competition but I got the award even though we lost in the final. This was why I could not really be happy as we missed our chance to be top of Asia.
Overall, how was the experience at the 1988 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar?
We were able to show our true strength and power to the people of Asia and we were rated very highly by many experts throughout the tournament.
1988 was the last time Korea Republic contested the AFC Asian Cup final. Why do you think this has been the case given that Korea has one of the strongest and most developed football set up in Asia?
I think we have been guilty of underrating the Asian Cup in relation to other competitions like the World Cup and the Olympic Games. As a result, the team preparation, media coverage and even fan interest was not as it should be. But since the last Asian Cup we have been trying to prepare the best that we can.
You have been working with the Korean Football Association since the turn of the Millennium, so how does the latest battalion of Taeguek Warriors compare to previous teams?
Time flies. We always have to prepare and accept new trends. After the 2002 World Cup many Korean players were given a chance to play abroad so they can get good experience in many ways. Now young players can have the dream to play in Europe. This is different from when I played.