Korea captain to miss Asian Cup for Olympics

SEOUL (Reuters) -- South Korea captain Yoo Sang-chul will miss the Asian Cup to play at the Athens Olympics in August, the Korea Times reported on Sunday.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has named Japan-based Yoo and Dutch-based Song Chong-gug, along with Kim Nam-il as its three permitted "over-age" players for the under-23 Olympic tournament.

Following discussion with J-League club Yokohama F-Marinos and Dutch first division side Feyenoord, Yoo and Song are set to miss the Asian Cup in China, which starts on July 17.

Under FIFA rules, clubs must release players for Asian Cup duty but have the right to prevent them from playing at the Olympics.

KFA officials had given priority to the Asian Cup but have since changed their position after having trouble replacing coach Humberto Coelho, who quit in April.

The KFA finally hired Dutchman Jo Bonfrere last week. He was a surprise choice to coach the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists after talks with Frenchman Bruno Metsu broke down over pay.

Steelers clinch South Korean first-stage title

SEOUL (Reuters) -- Pohang Steelers secured the South Korean first-stage title after a tense 1-1 draw at home to Sangmu Phoenix on Sunday.

Brazilian Pinheiro powered in an 87th-minute header for Pohang, who required just a point to clinch the K-League first stage.

Military side Sangmu replied soon after the restart through Kim Byung-jae but the Steelers hung on for the draw, to finish on 23 points from 12 matches.

Chonbuk Motors, who needed to win to stand any chance of overtaking Pohang, were held to a 1-1 draw by Taejon Citizen and had to settle for the runners-up spot on 20 points.

Ulsan Tigers beat FC Seoul 2-1 at home to climb to third behind Chonbuk on goal difference. Seongnam Ilhwa, who have won the last three K-League championships but have struggled in 2004, beat Chunnam Dragons 1-0 to finish eighth on 15 points.

The K-League changed its format this season, emulating the two-stage system of the Japanese J-League.

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