The #KLeagueFM18 Challenges: The Road to Russia [Korea vs Croatia]

It's all been building up to this! The South Korea squad are in Russia and are set to commence their first group match against Croatia with a side comprised only of players plying their trade in the K League. What could possibly go wrong?

The Challenge: The Road to Russia! Lead the Korean team to the 2018 World Cup and then put in a respectable performance. However, only players plying their trade in the K League can be called upon to represent their country.

Previous Instalments: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6

The day is finally upon us. Eighteen months ago the Korean Football Association approached me and handed over the task of managing the national squad with a remit of selecting Korean players from the domestic league, with the aim that it will both improve the popularity of the local division as well as proving that regular playing time trumps sitting on the bench in leagues abroad.

All our hard work has led up to today. We guided ourselves through the qualification campaign with minimal fuss, and we even stuck it to arch rivals Japan on their own turf to lift the East Asian trophy. Whatever happens now, my boys should be regarded as heroes.

Well you would think that would be the case. Instead, after three promising friendlies, the press are still questioning my suitability for the role, predicting the sack if things go wrong for me here. Being fired half way through the World Cup group stages? Now that would be an ending!

After much deliberation the night before, I opt for a team selection that has served me well during my tenure, knowing that changing things now would only cause confusion. Cho Hyun-woo is placed between the sticks, and is shielded by a back line of Kim Jin-su, Kim Min-jae, Koo Ja-ryong, and Lee Yong. In central midfield, captain Lee Jae-sung partners Lee Myung-joo, whilst in front of them sits three attacking midfielders in the shape of Kim Min-woo, Lee Seung-gi and Song Jin-hyung. Leading the line for me today is the league's top scorer and national treasure Kim Shin-wook (aka, 'The Wookie').

Starting line up for the all #kleague Korea squad ahead of our #KLeagueFM18 live stream. Broadcast starts at 19:20. You can view our channel here: https://t.co/Vet5tHxiui pic.twitter.com/7n8pArMiVJ

— K League United (@KLeagueUnited) February 8, 2018

With the line ups out, there is little left for me to do other than give the team talk and proceed to my dugout, where recently appointed assistant (to the) manager Ryan Walters sits patiently. My other coach Paul Neat, having been pulled up at immigration for getting carried away at Incheon airport's duty free, is absent but could be back in time for the next match, assuming I haven't been relieved of my duties by then.

The teams filter out the tunnel, the anthems are played and The Wookie lines up to take the kick off.

Here we go...




You can catch each group game LIVE on our K League United YouTube channel. Click here to view the channel and don't forget to subscribe!

Fancy trying your own #KLeagueFM18 adventure? See what ten K League specific challenges we suggest and register your best efforts by clicking here.

This piece draws it's form and inspiration from the FM Project by The Set Pieces. You can read their latest series here.

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