Lee has South Korea setting sights skywards
South Korea continue their push for a first Asian Cup win since 1960 and Lee Kang-in looks as if he can be their linchpin for years to come. In the 22-year-old, the Taegeuk Warriors have an in-form, forward-thinking attacker who impressed in his side’s opening game against Bahrain, scoring twice and constantly threatening with tight dribbling and defence-splitting passing. The former South Korea coach Paulo Bento often saw Lee as nothing more than an impact substitute but the current manager, Jürgen Klinsmann, sees potential in the Paris Saint-Germain player: “He’s like a flower that is starting to bloom … [his] growth over the last six months is a joy for us.” Next South Korea take on Jordan, who top Group E after a 4-0 rout of Malaysia in their first game. A win for either side would put them on the verge of finishing top, possibly avoiding a clash against the tournament favourites, Japan, in the last 16. “Everyone in the dressing room and everyone back home, the whole nation, are waiting for this trophy,” said Lee. “We haven’t won it for 64 years so we’re all motivated and hungry for this tournament.” Yara El-Shaboury
