6 – Leading Ahead, Jo Jaesin
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The expectations placed on the Under-20 National Team by the KFA this time around were immense.
The Dream Project, which began with the goal of nurturing youth talent, had been ongoing for a decade. The KFA, adapting its strategies according to the circumstances, had consistently pushed forward with the Dream Project for ten years.
Just as any individual desires recognition for their efforts, the KFA also wanted to see the returns on the investment made over the past decade.
And, right on cue, the stage to confirm those returns was approaching—the Asian Cup and the World Cup, both scheduled within a two-month difference.
The coach of the Under-20 National Team, Jang Giseok, was shouldering the burden of such expectations while finalizing the squad.
“Kitae, Seungjun, Hyechan… Let’s go with this starting lineup.”
“Yes. What about the bench members?”
“Let the goalkeeper stay as is. No need to change. Put Yonghyun in for defense, as we need depth on both sides…”
Looking at the nearly completed list with still two slots empty, the coach asked cautiously.
“Should we add these guys?”
“…”
A frustrated sigh escaped Jang Giseok, lost in contemplation.
Their skills displayed in training and practice matches left no room for doubt. Naturally, they should be selected.
But what if they falter in a real match?
This was the moment to showcase the results of the KFA’s ten-year investment. The more you risk, the more you gain, but at the same time, losses increase. Jang Giseok, strategically pushed by the KFA, would face a much harsher fall if he couldn’t deliver results in this tournament.
“…Alright.”
Ordinary people tend to become more conservative when their future is at stake, but a few choose the opposite path.
Just like now.
“Joo Jitae, Jo Jaesin. You’re coming along.”
Jang Giseok threw his trump card with the heart of a beast.
‘Just one… if just one of you explodes, there’s a chance to survive. Please, let at least one of you explode.’
And that fervent prayer was answered.
* * *
2031 AFC U-20 Asian Cup held in Indonesia.
Korea, assigned to Group B along with Vietnam, Iraq, and Oman, arrived in the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, to play their first group stage match.
“He’s really here.”
The hot air engulfed his face as soon as he stepped off the bus.
Ju Ji-tae looked around at the exotic Indonesian landscape and realized once again how different it was now from the first round.
“Director Jang Ki-seok… braver than I thought.”
With over 16 years of professional experience, Ju Ji-tae could understand the immense burden Director Jang Ki-seok was carrying.
If he didn’t deliver results, it was a heavy burden that cast a shadow over the director’s future career, an uncertainty that weighed heavily.
In such a situation, how many would choose risk over stability?
No matter how good he looked in training and practice matches, it was only one call-up.
Finding reasons not to be selected seemed much easier than finding reasons to be chosen. Good skills but didn’t sync well, too young, not enough time, doesn’t fit the tactics…
No, Ju Ji-tae and Jo Jae-shin were not players who needed excuses. At least not until now.
In such a situation, daringly selecting two young players.
A confident smile spread across Ju Ji-tae’s face.
“Director Jang Ki-seok, I like it. Good. Since you picked me, I’ll repay you with a victory.”
“…Repay? Dream on.”
South Korea’s first game.
“You have to go out and play, whether it’s to repay or whatever.”
In the opening match of Group B against Oman, Ju Ji-tae sat on the bench, clapping enthusiastically as the fourth goal for Korea went in.
The game was too smooth, making him think that maybe, as a substitute, he could step on the field… but,
“Substitution! Jae-shin, take off the vest!”
Jang Ki-seok’s final substitution card was Jo Jae-shin.
“Hey, Joo-ji. I’m going in.”
“….”
“I’ll score a goal quickly. You just warm the bench here. Before the bench cools down, I’ll score one for you.”
“….”
Well.
Defenders, especially center-backs, aren’t easy to substitute.
Since organization and coordination are crucial in the defensive line, lineup changes are not frequent.
Besides, they were already winning by a large margin, so there was little need for substitutions.
While trying to control his emotions,
“Hey! Did you see!? I scored a goal right after coming in!”
In just one minute of substitution, Jo Jaeshin dashed onto the field, celebrating with genuine joy after scoring a goal.
“Look at that guy, he’s already creating an image again.”
When did he start liking Jang Giseok? Running towards the coach right after scoring a goal, he ran.
Thanks to the seremony embracing the coach, Ju Jitae, who discovered that the camera was pointing in their direction, swiftly hid in the crowd. At least let only his face be visible.
That was the moment.
After the hug with the coach, Jo Jaeshin began to fidget.
In the midst of applauding the spectacle, Ju Jitae’s mental alarm bells went off.
“Something doesn’t feel right. What is that guy up to…”
Jo Jaeshin’s eyes sparkled as he spotted Ju Jitae hiding among the crowd.
“Jitae!!! My friend!!!”
“Oh, yeah. Congratulations—”
From Noble mtl dot com
He ran towards him, embracing him and whispering.
“Dude. Didn’t I tell you? I score a goal right away. I’ve already scored, and you still haven’t played in the match? Hey, the camera is rolling. Smile.”
“…Okay. Ha, haha.”
Damn it.
Indeed, he was a true friend.
The match ended with a 5-0 victory for South Korea.
People were delighted with the clean-sheet victory, but that was it.
The self-proclaimed weakest team in Group B, Oman, was too weak to truly showcase Korea’s skills. What became more of a topic was 17-year-old striker Jo Jaeshin, who scored in his debut match.
“A striker who will lead the future of South Korea has emerged!”
“A small ball shot into the air by a 17-year-old player.”
“A fantastic volley that nails the match!”
“This is what acrobatics looks like! Jo Jaeshin, debuting with a splendid goal.”
“(photo) Jo Jaeshin embracing the coach after scoring.”
While there are various elements that drive football fans crazy, promising young talents are an essential factor.
Especially nothing pleases football fans as much as the fantastic debut of a local promising talent.
At just 17 years old.
Debuting on the stage of the U-20 national team, playing with teammates two years older, Jo Jaeshin scored a debut goal with an acrobatic volley just one minute into the match. It would be strange if people weren’t ecstatic, especially when you add Jo Jaeshin’s charming looks and hugging the coach after scoring.
“Yes. The 9 o’clock news today starts with some good news. While participating in the U-20 Asian Cup, South Korea has brought a joyful victory. Among them, the player who scored the team’s last goal is the talk of the town. Let’s watch together.”
Even the mainstream news covered it.
With the surge of popularity of Jo Jaeshin, who suddenly rose to stardom, Ju Jitae felt a pang in his stomach.
Of course, Ju Jitae became famous for his wholesale prices.
[But who is he? Why is Jo Jaeshin running into his arms?]
[They’re the same ageㅋㅋ The youngest line in the team]
[Oh, they must be close if he’s not running to the coach next]
[Childhood friends, maybe?]
[So he searched for him, and they both seem to be doing well]
[But why does he look so displeased?]
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Displeased, damnㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Displeased guyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
“Damn. How did I end up with such a damn nickname as the ‘displeased guy’!!”
Ju Jitae’s enthusiasm began to blaze fiercely.
* * *
Korea’s next opponent was Iraq.
Considered a formidable rival to advance to the finals in Group B along with Korea, they were not to be underestimated, unlike the arrogance surrounding them.
Naturally, from the coach’s perspective, preparations were being made with the best players.
“Jihun! Stick with him! Stick! What are you doing, and we need to switch quickly!! The flanks are wide open!!”
“Got it. Good pass. Uh… Nice play, Jitae. That was good. But… don’t come out so blatantly. If you fail in the middle, the back space is wide open. In that case, it’s better to wait for your teammate’s support and delay.”
“Myungjin, good! That’s it! But let’s apply more pressure. When tackling, hey, do it quickly! If you’re going to do it, do it, and if not, don’t! If you hesitate, you’ll just commit a foul!”
“Um… yeah, Jitae was good. It was good, but… it’s dangerous to attempt a tackle from so far away. Both you and the opponent. Tackles should be certain. Understand?”
“Hey! Just because you’re a defender doesn’t mean you can clear the ball however you want!! Look!! Stay calm!! Communicate with the players around you!! Don’t just block like that!!”
“Uh… good! Very good, Jitae!! That’s it!! …But Jitae, maybe ease up on the dribbling. If you stick out too much, it leaves the back vulnerable.”
As they were preparing… it’s hard to discern who the best player is.
After the training, Jang Giseok scratched his head.
“Other positions are fine… but defending is tough. What’s the deal with this guy, Ju Jitae?”
Originally a midfielder, perhaps that’s why.
He enjoys overly aggressive defending. It’s a play that becomes even riskier if it fails.
While the recent trend encourages players to be proactive and aggressive, center-backs are different. Being the last line of defense, this position requires stable play more than challenging play.
But then, why does the last-line defender, the center-back, enjoy aggressive play?
That’s a bit… It must be quite painful for those who are watching, especially for the coach.
The problem is,
‘Why is he so good!!!’
Ju Ji-tae is consistently succeeding with such plays.
Instead of saying not to attempt such ambitious plays if you can’t pull them off, what can you say when he executes them so well?
‘Why does such an ambitious play keep succeeding!!’
As Jang Ki-seok pondered this, he made a decision.
Secure the victory in this crucial match against Iraq safely.
‘Win this game, secure two victories stably… and save experiments for the last match.’
However, as always, the world doesn’t go according to plans.
