It is a huge blunder not to include Jahanbakhsh and Azmoun in the Asian Games squad

[Paradigm]

If we can't use them for World Cup or Asian Games, then it's pointless to send players abroad!!

^ Finally someone who gets the idea.

[Gijscoman]

Players like Jahanbakhsh and Azmoun should go to tournaments like the World Cup and the Asian Cup. The Asian Games are something different though. Players have to be under 23. Jahanbakhsh and Azmoun have passed the stage of playing in youth teams, although their age still enables them to join. Also think about the future and give some young talents the possibility to already gain some experience. Why not use some 17-year old talents. Norway for instance now has a 15-year old in their national team. Ok, that's maybe a bit too young for a normal national team, but 17 year olds in a u23 tournament is acceptable.

[aryanirani]

If they deserve better then they should fight for it.

[Dreamer]

Using U23 teams is to get younger players exposure to the outside world and get them some practice on the national stage. Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh got that already (hence why they are in top clubs for their age). Why would we want them to waste their time on the Asian Games instead of getting match praxis in thei rclub sides?

[Paradigm]

Meanwhile South Korea is taking this soccer tournament very seriously:

Three 'wild cards' for Asiad
By Nam Hyun-woo Posted 2014-08-14

Ulsan Hyundai striker Kim Shin-wook, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and Mainz 05 defender Park Joo-ho have all been chosen to join the U-23 national football team for the upcoming Incheon Asian Games, coach Lee Kwang-jong said Thursday, as he announced the 20-man squad.

The "wild card" players ― those over the Olympic age limit of 23 ― will be given a chance to redeem themselves for their dismal campaign in the Brazil World Cup and help their younger teammates win their first gold in the Asiad games since 1986.

"The three must play important roles for the team," Lee said during a news conference at the Korea Football Association's headquarters in central Seoul. "They are all very talented players."

In Brazil, towering striker Kim Shin-wook was one of the few players who shined, with his dedicated performance on the front line. He appeared in 29 matches and scored three goals. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu can also be a good fit for Lee, because the position was also pointed out as one of the weak spots on the team.

The two Ulsan players were widely considered to have booked wild card spots, but Park's joining was somewhat surprising.

Coach Lee, however, spoke highly of Park's versatility.

"Park plays wing-back, defensive and offensive midfielder on his German club. Since he is a versatile player, I decided to call him up," Lee said.

Before the announcement, Bayer Leverkusen forward Son Heung-min was the strongest candidate to make it onto the roster, but the coach had to give up recruiting him as the Germany club refused to release the 22-year-old for the Asiad. Since the Asian Games matches are not on the official FIFA calendar, clubs are not obliged to release players for the event.

Along with the two Ulsan players, Al-Ain's Lee Myoung-ju was also considered for the last wild card, as Lee showed an outstanding performance as the attacking midfielder during the first half of this season in K-League before he moved to a UAE club. He recorded at least one offensive point in 10 consecutive games, including nine assists which is still on the top of league table.

But the coach's attempt to include Lee on the roster also hit a snag as the UAE team refused to let him play.

"I also thought of Lee, but as he moved to the UAE team, the club seemed to be reluctant in releasing him. So I chose Park instead," Lee said.

However, Lee stressed that his selection of wild card players does not aim at filling the absence of Son.

"Yun Il-lok of FC Seoul and Moon Sang-yoon of Incheon United can also play in Son's position (wing forward). I chose Park for his versatility, not as an alternative for Son. Football is played by all 11 players. Any weakness can be filled by team play," he said.

Regarding other players, Lee said they are mainly from the previous U-22 squad.

"The players on the roster are mainly from the squad that played in the AFC U-22 Championship in Oman, and a friendly game against Kuwait in June," Lee said.

They include goalkeeper No Dong-geon; defender Kim Jin-su, Kwak Hae-seong and Kim Min-hyeok; midfielder Son Jun-ho, Kim Young-uk and Kim Seung-dae; and forward Lee Jong-ho and Lee Yong-jae.

The Koreans will be called for training on Sept. 1, about two weeks before their first group match on Sept. 14, with the group draws scheduled for Aug. 21.

Meanwhile, the 18-woman squad for the women's national football team for the Asian Games was also announced during the conference. But some of the nation's top players were not included on the roster due to scheduling conflicts with their existing clubs.

Chelsea Ladies FC's world-class forward Ji So-yun will join the tournament but she will only start to play from the quarterfinals; while Park Eun-seon, who was one of the top scorers in the WK-League (Women's K-League) before she recently joined Russian top-tier league's Rossiyanka, will not be able to represent her country in the games.

Direct link: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news...00_162906.html

[Ab-Gosht]

shin wook dude is the tall striker that was killing us in korea

[Ab-Gosht]

iran is in pot 1, draw is in less than 24H....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footbal...14_Asian_Games

[Ab-Gosht]

Any updates about the team roster for this tournament?!

How have they been preparing?

same piece of sheet as always, clubs dont release the players, camp with 6 players gol kochik bazi

[Paradigm]

4-1 loss to Vietnam on match day 1... Just incredible.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq both started the tournament with comprehensive wins.

[barcachevalier]

Guys, Korea is just going to win this one. As Korea is going to win the AFC U-16.

4-1 against Vietnam - goodness gracious.

[Paradigm]

So the final will be between South and North Korea... The former has in their starting 11 at least two players from Bundesliga, and another from Japan league, as well as a couple of ones over 23 years of age. Looks like they really want to win the Asian Games gold for the first time since 1986. Back then of course full national teams used to feature in the tournament. North Korea has the potential to spoil the party for their Southern neighbors. In any event, Iraq and Thailand will be playing for 3rd place. Iran's performance was similar to the 1994 games, when we also did poorly.