8 – Surpassing Jitae
008
The final match in Group B of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup between South Korea and Vietnam became a practically inconsequential game after the earlier Iraq vs. Oman match ended in Iraq’s victory.
With two victories, South Korea had one game left, and Iraq, having defeated South Korea, secured the second-place position with two wins and one loss.
According to the principle of winner advancement, South Korea naturally claimed the top spot with one game left.
On the other hand, Vietnam, with one draw and one loss, hoped for a miracle – specifically, Oman defeating Iraq – as they prepared for the match against South Korea. However, just before the game, news of Oman’s defeat reached them, confirming their elimination from the group stage.
Now, even if Vietnam were to defeat South Korea, their final ranking would be third, no matter the score.
Elimination.
The Vietnamese players, who had risen as a football powerhouse in Southeast Asia under Coach Park Hangseo’s guidance, had high expectations for this Asian Cup. However, now, with expressions of despair and frustration, they stepped onto the field.
Seeing this, Jitae was perplexed.
“Why are they like that? Did their house catch fire?”
“Why are you asking why?”
“The expressions on the faces of the Vietnamese kids look off.”
Kyun-oh, the senior who would partner with Jitae as center-back today, questioned with a look of disbelief.
“Why, you punk. The game hasn’t even started, and they already know they’re eliminated. Doesn’t that mess with their mentality?”
“Huh? They were 1 draw and 1 loss anyway. Did they really think they could beat us? Seriously? No way. Seriously, did they think they could beat us, who are always topping our group? They really thought they could beat South Korea?”
“…Why is this guy like this? Calm down. Are you going to play the game to win or just to get on the field?”
“Senior, let me educate these arrogant guys. How about opening a football class?”
In response to Jitae’s sudden outburst of gradient anger,
“Wow, this ruthless guy. Should I? You know, I’ve always been told to exploit weaknesses.”
He laughed, patting Jitae on the shoulder.
But Kyun-oh didn’t know.
Joo Ji-tae’s intentions were not merely about defending well.
“But we’re defenders. Center-backs. How do we dribble?”
“Like this.”
“Uh, uh…?! Hey, hey! Hey Joo Ji-tae! Where, where, where, where is this guy!! Come back!!”
* * *
The coach announced the starting lineup a day before the match.
“Oh~ What’s this? Juji, are you finally playing in the match? Wow~ Starting before me~”
“Well… it’s obvious.”
“Wow~ Oh~ Starting~ Great, Ju Ji-tae~”
“Do you want a slap?”
Despite Jo Jae-shin grumbling beside him, let’s cut him some slack this time.
If it weren’t for his goal, if they had lost to Iraq… The coach probably would have stuck with the same defensive lineup even in the third round. Unlike the spontaneity crucial in attack, defense requires organization and coordination.
So, even if Ju Jae-shin got the chance to play thanks to his goal, it might not be a favor after all.
“I have to repay him since he did me a favor.”
Joo Ji-tae, a man who forgets significant favors but not the small ones.
He was contemplating how to repay this favor when he suddenly had a brilliant idea, watching the bewildered state of the Vietnamese players.
And so, he did it.
* * *
“The match between South Korea and Vietnam is about to begin.”
“Yes. You might think there’s no motivation since South Korea has already secured a spot in the next round as the Group 1 winner, and Vietnam is already eliminated. But no. South Korea will play even harder as players who haven’t had a chance this tournament get on the field, and Vietnamese players will also strive desperately until the end to salvage some pride— huh?”
The commentator’s eyes, who was rambling soullessly prepared lines, widen as if they were about to burst.
Five seconds into the game. Just five seconds have passed.
It started with South Korea’s kickoff, and after only three passes, it reached the center-back in the back.
“Well, what is this!? What is this… what is this Juji-taeeeee!”
Number 18, a 17-year-old center-back making his official debut for the U-20 national team,
“Ugh, ughhhh!! Ju Ji-tae, running with the ball as soon as he receives it!! What is this! Is this Kim Byung-jin!?”
Attempting a dribble as soon as the game started.
From the back.
The center back.
It was an unexpected solo dribble breakthrough from the center back.
Even against his own teammates.
“Wait, has Ju Ji-tae already reached the half-line?! What’s happening? Coach Jang Ki-seok, what tactical move is this… No!? Why isn’t anyone moving? The planned play… No!”
It took just three seconds for Ju Ji-tae to reach the half-line.
From Noble mtl dot com
Only then did the Korean players hastily begin their infiltration into the Vietnamese territory, but their belated efforts were in vain.
Because no one could catch up with the accelerating Ju Ji-tae.
“Faster, faster. What is this? What is this?! Why is Ju Ji-tae so fast!!”
“Woah… woah! He’s breaking through just like that!! A tremendous sprint utilizing incredible speed!!”
Whether the teammates followed or not, Ju Ji-tae’s My Way dash continued.
From the starting point to the half-line, it was a straight-line sprint.
But the effect was tremendous.
In terms of speed, Ju Ji-tae’s acceleration was unrivaled not only in South Korea but also in the future.
The speed reached its peak as Ju Ji-tae, in the midst of dribbling, was unstoppable by anyone on the field, both teammates and Vietnamese players alike. Including the bench, only one person, Jo Jae-shin, could match this incredible speed.
As the Vietnamese attacking line, moving a step slower than the Korean players, hesitated, they were instantly pierced when the pressure from the midfield line came.
However, the movement of the midfielders was a step too slow.
They could only block the afterimage of Ju Ji-tae, who had already passed at an incredible speed.
However, the soccer field is wider than one might think, and unless Ju Ji-tae used foul tactics, he couldn’t break through the goalposts in a single go, no matter how fast he was.
As Ju Ji-tae’s wide-ranging approach toward the Vietnamese goal seemed to come to an end when facing the Vietnamese defense, the defenders seemed ready to stop him first.
No matter how fast a player is, they cannot pass a player who has taken position and is waiting.
However,
“Ju Ji-tae, Ju Ji-tae! You need to turn back now! The Vietnamese defense has taken their positions!! Yes, slow down and wait for your teammates—oops!?”
“Flip-flap! An amazing elastico unfolds!!”
It seemed like he slowed down just for this moment; as soon as he faced the Vietnamese defense, he pretended to push the ball outside, deceiving them, and swiftly slipped inside instead of going out.
The Vietnamese player caught by the painting clumsily attempted to chase him, only to collide and sprawl helplessly, staring up in a daze at the moment the deafening explosion erupted.
Boom!
With the booming sound, the rising ball pierced through the goal net.
14 seconds into the game.
It was the opening goal.
“Wow, wow!! What is this!! Ju Ji-tae, what is this!! Oh, oh my god!! Ju Ji-tae, you’re insane!! This is crazy!!!”
“This player is unbelievable! It’s like watching Messi! Maradona, Pelé!! How can a defender score like this, Ju Ji Tae!!”
Standing tall, Ju Ji Tae, breathing heavily, stared in the direction of the camera. Without saying a word, he just casually drew the Taegeuk symbol on his fist.
* * *
Jang Ki Seok was prepared.
For Ju Ji Tae’s unpredictable actions.
Wasn’t he the one who constantly displayed unexpected moves in training and practice matches?
It might be different in a real game… well, who knows? It hasn’t been long since he experienced it, but thinking whether Ju Ji Tae would change in a real match was quite a skeptical assumption.
So, Jang Ki Seok prepared not to be surprised.
Whether Ju Ji Tae ignored the line and went for defense, executed a super tackle, attempted a pass cutting through the field, or even tried an eagle shot from the half-line.
He vowed not to be surprised, no matter what he did.
Even Jang Ki Seok, who was prepared, didn’t expect his mouth to be wide open in just 5 seconds, the first 5 seconds of the game.
“Uh, uh…!”
In the utterly ridiculous scene, Jang Ki Seok, frozen with his mouth agape, pointed a finger, while,
“Thud!”
“W-What the!?”
“Hey, this is crazy…!”
Even the coaching staff and players watching from the bench were shocked.
“Wow! That’s our Ju Ji Tae! Doesn’t disappoint!”
Only Cho Jae Shin was cheerfully jumping around.
Ju Ji Tae, triumphantly, had successfully scored and was tapping the Taegeuk symbol.
A delayed eruption of cheers.
Who would have imagined such a ridiculous play?
And who would have imagined attempting such a play, let alone succeeding?
But he did.
On the debut stage of the national team. In an official match of the Asian Cup.
Listening to the thunderous cheers echoing through the ground, Jang Ki Seok realized.
‘That guy is a crazy genius…! Seriously… it’s for real!!’
At the same time, he acknowledged that he was a genius of a type that wouldn’t come again.
