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Hong-Klinsmann ‘Grudge Match’

January 31, 2014

They meet again 20-years later, this time as managers

U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann, left, and Korea’s boss Hong Myung-bo. (Yonhap)

By Lee Kyutae

“Yes, (Jurgen) Klinsmann scored two goals. Against my defense.”

South Korean National Soccer Team’s manager Hong Myung-bo admitted to that much and laughed, just a day before their rematch in 20-years, this time as managers.

Hong, 44, and Klinsmann, 49, faced each other as players back in 1994. It was the group stage of World Cup and the third game for both teams in Dallas, Texas. Klinsmann’s Germany was 1(Win)-0(Loss)-1(Tie), and S. Korea had tied both games, going into the game.

To make a long story short, Germany won 3-2, behind Klinsmann’s two goals, to advance to the knock-out stage, and the Koreans were eliminated.

But, it was Hong who nailed the long distance shot to make the score 3-2, to make the German side sweat a bit.

Hong says he spoke with Klinsmann back in December at the World Cup group drawing event and said “Klinsmann has done a wonderful job with the U.S. National team,” but he hadn’t forgotten about the game 20-years ago. He even mimicked how Klinsmann got those shots off.

Klinsmann said “That’s a fond memory for me, and it’s good to see him (Hong) again. He was a good player with strong leadership and character. I am sure fans in Los Angeles are very familiar with him since he played with the L.A. Galaxy.”