In sports, players often show competitive, inspired, and determined spirits. This is especially the case in the Olympics, as athletes train for four hard years to battle with the best in the world. Frustration, tears, and joy show on the faces of athletes as they either think about the medal they just received or the medal they could’ve received. Tempers are increasingly visible when two rivals come together in the same event as they put everything on the line.
However, the much-anticipated bronze medal match between South Korea and Japan was no ordinary rivalry. Hanging on the line for the South Koreans, in front of a packed crowd at Millennium Stadium, was a military exemption. In addition, South Korea could make history with their first ever medal in Olympic soccer, while Japan had already achieved that feat. A military exemption would also provide the South Korean stars a future path to overseas football in Europe, allowing them to sign long-term contracts with big clubs.
“To think that one day, two Asian soccer teams would be able to say they are the 3rd and 4th best in the world, it’s just amazing,” said Jong Won Han, junior at Valley Christian High.
After a surprisingly quiet game through 30 minutes, South Korean captain Koo Ja-Cheol showed the rivalry was still alive as he slid in a dangerous tackle on Japanese forward Yuki Otsu. It continued to show as two players had to receive treatment for blood leaking from open wounds, and seven players from both sides total received a yellow card. Although Japan was the more dominant side, it was South Korea who struck first in the 38th minute when Park Chu-Young scored a fantastic individual goal, dribbling around four defenders to slide a shot past Japanese goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda. South Korea then piled onto the lead in the 57th minute when Sunderland’s Ji Dong-Won flicked on goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong’s kick downfield to allow Koo Ja-Cheol to strike a spectacular shot into the net. Japan was in desperation for a goal or two, but could not break through the organized South Korean defense. After 90 minutes, the South Koreans started a joyous celebration on the field, reaching the highest point ever in South Korean Olympic soccer history.
“South Korea played amazing, and this is a day that I really feel proud to be a Korean,” said Paul Lee, freshman at Cerritos High.
