2010 FIFA World Cup: Four More Cut As South Korea Reduce Roster To 26

After an exciting 2-0 win in their friendly match against Ecuador in Seoul, Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-Moo announced Monday that he has reduced his 30-man provisional squad to 26.

Among the players cut were defenders Hwang Jae-Won of Pohang Steelers and Suwon Bluewings' Kang Min-Soo. Suwon midfielder Cho Won-Hee and Kim Chi-Woo of Seoul will also be left behind when the team travels to South Africa.

So far these have not been shocking moves by Huh Jung-Moo, but the manager has promised to further reduce his squad to the final 23 men in the upcoming weeks. This could spell trouble for ex-Middlesbrough forward Lee Dong Gook, who suffered an ankle injury while playing domestically for Jeonbuk Motors, and also has had nagging problems with a thigh injury that could put him out of action for up to three weeks.

Lee missed the 2006 World Cup with an injury, and could be set to miss the trip to South Africa as well. Kim Jae-Sung also missed the clash against Ecuador with an ankle injury, but Huh Jung-Moo has commented saying, “(Kim’s injury) is not severe. His bones and ligaments are fine.”

South Korea’s performance against Ecuador was a thrilling one, with goals from Lee Sung-Ryeol and young Bolton winger Lee Chung-Yong. The team will have three more matches before the World Cup, including one against rivals Japan on May 24.

The final rosters are expected to be announced by June 1, right before the team travels to South Africa on June 5.

South Korea squad (26):

Kim Young-kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-ryong (Seongnam); Kwak Tae-hwi (Kyoto, Japan), Kim Dong-jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-il (Pohang), Oh Beom-seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-pyo (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Lee Jung-soo (Kashima, Japan), Cha Du-ri (Freiburg, Germany) Cho Yong-hyung (Jeju United); Koo Ja-cheol (Jeju), Ki Sung-yong (Celtic, Scotland), Kim Bo-kyung (Oita, Japan), Kim Nam-il (Tomsk, Russia), Shin Hyung-min (Pohang), Kim Jae-sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton, England), Park Ji-sung (Manchester United, England); Park Chu-young (Monaco, France), Ahn Jung-hwan (Dalian, China), Lee Seung-ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-hun, (Suwon), Lee Keun-ho (Jubilo Iwata, Japan) Lee Dong-gook (Jeonbuk).