Ahn lets Korean team mates argue his case

BONN, June 15: South Korea striker Ahn Jung-hwan is putting the team's World Cup success before personal glory, leaving team mates to argue he deserves a starting role.

Ahn, who played a key role in South Korea's run to the semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002, came off the bench to score a superb winner in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Togo.

Several senior players have since urged South Korea coach Dick Advocaat to start Ahn in attack in the team's second Group G game against France on Sunday.

But Ahn has refused to get involved in the debate.

''Obviously I want to start against France but that's the coach's decision,'' Ahn told reporters. ''I'm just happy to help the team win.'' Ahn has become something of a talismanic figure for South Korea in World Cup games, memorably scoring the golden goal that knocked Italy out of the 2002 tournament.

The 30-year-old gave South Korea their first World Cup victory on foreign soil with a brilliantly struck right-foot volley against Togo.

''Words can't describe how good that felt,'' said Ahn. ''The moment I hit it, it felt like the ball was being sucked into the goal. It was amazing.'' English-based midfielder Park Ji-sung is one of several players agitating for Ahn's inclusion in South Korea's starting 11.

''We trust Jung-hwan to score goals when we need them,'' he said.

''He's got a lot of experience and he never lets us down.'' South Korea lead Group G following France's goalless draw with Switzerland in their opening game.

REUTERS

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