Togo defender massages his way to popularity in Korea

Berlin, June 19 (UNI) Togo may have lost their opening game to South Korea but they earned a lot of new admirers in the far East, thanks to a moment of sportmanship from defender Massamasso Tchangai in the Group G game on 13 June.

Midway through the second half, and with the game in the balance at 1-1, Korean Lee Eul-Yong went down with cramp when Tchangai came to his help and gave him an impromptu leg massage which drew widespread praise from the Korean media, said the FIFA World Cup website.

A Yonhap News headline read ''Togo: undisputed champions of sportsmanship''.

''It was really moving to see such true sportsmanship from the Togo players, transcending victory or defeat. I hope they go on to get a good result at the World Cup,'' said a supporter.

The Togolese media were also pleasantly surprised to hear their players receiving such good press.

Mondial Togo, the West African nation's most popular football website, noted ''The Korean people have applauded Togo's footballers for their unconditional fair play, good manners, and warmth towards their fellow players.'' UNI XC AY RN1650