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Interview with SAM H. KA

Profile：
Born June 26, 1956. Studied economics at Yonsei University. Entered Hyundai Motors, International Department after graduating in 1981. Made numerous achievements with outstanding language skills and extensive networking. Went on to apply his skills at the Korean Football Association since 1993, where he currently serves as General Secretary. Also holds the positions of Vice President of the East Asian Football Federation, Deputy Chairman of the AFC Competitions Committee, and member of the Organising Committee for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

--Global Scale Achievements to be Proud Of--
am very proud and happy of our achievement of playing in the FIFA World Cup™ seven times. This is obviously more than any other Asian football association, and we have made it to final tournament six consecutive times now. We have also played in every single Olympics since Seoul 1988. It is no exaggeration to say that we are “regulars” on the world football platform, and very few can claim they surpass us.

The most impressive memory is the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ we co-hosted with Japan. The stadia were packed with spectators, and millions of fans gathered in front of the Seoul City Hall cheered and screamed their support for our national team. Backed by the solidarity of the entire country, Korea Rep. finished in fourth place—our best ever achievement in the World Cup, and a feat that has never been accomplished by any other Asian member, nor even by CAF nor CONCACAF. I don’t mean to blow my own trumpet, but I can only say it was wonderful to have been involved in the organization of such a successful football event as a chief of the Korean Organising Committee for the World Cup.

--The Source of Power--
We have made great improvements in the past ten years. We were able to fulfill our dream of playing official matches on our artificial turf pitch. We have established a competition for all age categories so that we can emphasize youth development. Many reasons can be attributed, but I think that the launch of the professional football K-League over 20 years ago in 1983 had a significant impact. Until then, we used to have amateur players who could train only after they finished their daytime jobs, which made it difficult for them to concentrate on football. The highly competitive K-League was an important milestone that helped improve the level of Korean football dramatically.

The presence of a professional league is essential for the development of football. For instance, Japan formed the J.League in 1993, and in 1998 they qualified for the FIFA World Cup™ finals for the first time. The C-League was established in China in 1995, and China made it to the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ finals for the first time. By that time, Korea Rep. had already been competing for ten years to catch up with and overcome the highest level of world football.

Korean players have outstanding technique, tactical skills, and physical abilities. We should also not forget that the many achievements in the past have given us confidence. We have a history of winning the most difficult matches, as our players contribute more than 100% when the challenge is greater.

The mentality of a “winner” is ingrained in us. The fact that Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors captured the AFC Champions League title this year and will be participating in December’s FIFA Club World Cup representing Asia is proof of the high level of Korean football.

--FIFA World Cup™ Germany and Korea’s New-Born National Team--
Though Korea Rep. failed to reach the knock-out stage, I am satisfied with the performance in Germany. In the group stage against runner-up France, our team’s tenacious spirit produced an equalizer in the second half, and we won against Togo. We ended up losing the last match of the group stage against Switzerland, but we played an even game. It was an unlucky loss. After the tournament, the coach of our national team, Pim Verbeek, was appointed head coach. Our goal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa is to at least advance to the knock-out stage. We know that it’s going to be a difficult task, but we ultimately hope to repeat our feat in 2002 and become one of the semi-finalists.

We have a number of players who are honing their skills overseas at big European clubs, such as Lee Yeongpyo, and our new head coach, Pim Verbeek, is truly wonderful. Mr. Verbeek is bringing in younger players to build the team towards 2010, bringing in younger players, and never have I had higher expectations in a team than this new-born Korea national team.

--Aiming Higher with Mid-Range Planning--
The guiding principle of KFA is that we hold a mid-range view. If we look too far ahead, it would be like trying to reach for a pie in the sky; if we become too concerned with details that confront us right now, we cannot expect our organization to develop. In 2001 we declared the “2010 Plan.” The core of the plan involved youth development, better facilities, increasing the number of registered players and clubs, and the establishment of a two-division K-League. Every single component is essential for the further development of Korean football. We have been working on these areas with determination and unity, and we have already been able to accomplish the targets we set in almost all of them.

Last year we announced the “2020 Plan” and everything is going very well. Last year we also hosted the East Asian Football Championship. We shall make all efforts to continue contributing to the development of football not only in Korea Rep. but in the entire East Asian region.

Women’s Football Festival, the “Peace Queen Cup,” Creates Excitement

An international women’s football competition, the “Peace Queen Cup,” was held in Korea Rep. from October 28 to November 4. The eight participating teams included the hosts, Korea Rep., Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Any one of these world’s top contenders are capable of winning next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and the media, supporters, and all those involved in the organization unanimously expressed, “This event is like the World Cup.” Two groups each comprised of four teams first played a round-robin league format, and the winner of each group met in the final to compete for the champion title.

The opening ceremony took place in Seoul’s World Cup Stadium on October 28. The spectators were treated to a traditional Korean dance, a performance by a fife and drum band, and greetings from the KFA President, Dr. Chung Mong Joon, with the words, “We all look forward to the emergence of star players who will lead the future of women’s football.”

Immediately following the ceremony, the opening match between Korea Rep. and Brazil kicked off. The hosts, supported by the cheers of enthusiastic Korean supporters reminiscent of the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, held out against the Athens Olympics silver medalist Brazil’s fierce attacks and tried to penetrate the opponent with swift counter-attacks. Neither team would give way, alternating in attack and defense. The silence was broken in the 77th minute as Angelica’s long shot found the back of the net, and Brazil managed to defend their 1-0 lead. Despite their efforts, Korea Rep. lost 1-3 to Canada and 1-2 to Italy, failing to advance to the next round.

“The team played well. It was a good experience for the younger players who learned how tough international competitions are, and I hope they will use this experience positively,” said head coach An Jong Gwan appreciatively. KFA’s General Secretary Ka Sam Hyun commented positively, “Although we won last year’s East Asian Women’s Football Championship, we still have a lot to do to reach the world’s top level. I hope this competition has been an eye-opener.” Though Korea Rep. was overpowered by the strongest teams in the world today, they did not rely on fouls and delaying tactics but maintained their clean and fair style all the way, which gained them the Fair Play Award for their stamina, organized football, and sporting spirit.

Two North American teams advanced to the final—USA and Canada. Two-time Olympic champion and also winner of the Women’s World Cup, USA took control of the game. Neither team could materialize from the numerous chances, and the match remained scoreless into the second half. In the 68th minute, just as Canada seemed to be gaining their rhythm, the Americans took advantage of the slightest chance of an unguarded moment and sprung a counter-attack. Kristine Lilly dribbled past a defender and nailed a left-footed shot into the Canadian goal. Canada was left with no choice but to push hard for an equalizer. They tried to score from set plays, but USA went all out to defend their goal and held off Canada’s final surge to win 1-0.

The sole goal scorer of the match, USA’s Kristine Lilly, has played in over 300 international “A” matches. Lilly also won the Golden Shoe as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and added another award to her brilliant career. “I owe it all to the team. I’m sure the Korean supporters enjoyed the spectacular competition played by the world’s best teams,” said Lilly proudly with a big smile.

Many football fans came to the stadium for each match, cheering enthusiastically for their home team, Korea Rep., and equally for the other participating teams, creating a friendly atmosphere. The competition was televised to 100 countries worldwide, demonstrating attention and interest that surpassed expectations. The slogan, “A Football Festival Presenting a New Paradigm of Peace,” was fully accomplished.

From next year onwards, the men’s Peace Cup, with club teams, and the women’s Peace Cup, with national teams, will alternate every year. Hopefully, DPR Korea, who withdrew this year, will participate again in future Peace Cup competitions.

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