18 Sep 2014
?Doha, 18 September 2014. The first “Tri-Series Tournament” of the school year 2014-15 concluded on Wednesday evening at Aspire Academy and the final day was dominated by the youth teams of Pohang Steelers: By winning against the teams of Aspire Academy 2-0 (U15), 3-0 (U14) and 4-0 (U13), the South Koreans eventually crowning themselves the winner of every age group of this tournament. Aspire Academy also showed some strong performances throughout the competition and finished second in every group ahead of Energie Cottbus from Germany.
“We came here with the goal to win the tournament and we are satisfied with the performances of our players,” commented Pohang’s U14 coach You Younggil on the victories. After also winning against every team of the German club Energie Cottbus, the successful Asian club, whose first team has won three AFC Champions League titles so far, is a more than deserved winner. “We are thankful for the chance to come here. It has been a great experience and the organization and facilities here are outstanding.”
“At this stage it’s all about understanding the game. First the players have to be eager to play, but as a next step they have to know why they train what they train and when the need it in the game,” Younggil said about his team, that consists of some of the best players from their region. According to him, mental strength is one of the most important factors when it comes to winning and losing regardless of the age. “Success is all in your head. Some skills can still be developed in the process, but the motivation to win every the time you are on the pitch is the key to become a winner.”
“Tri-Series” at Aspire Academy, September 15 to 17 2014, results:
Age group Under-13
Aspire Academy vs. Energie Cottbus 2-0
Energie Cottbus vs. Pohang Steelers 1-4
Aspire Academy vs. Pohang Steelers 0-4
Final standings: 1. Pohang Steelers, 2. Aspire Academy, 3. Energie Cottbus
Age group Under-14
Aspire Academy vs. Energie Cottbus 2-2
Energie Cottbus vs. Pohang Steelers 2-6
Aspire Academy vs. Pohang Steelers 0-3
Final standings: 1. Pohang Steelers, 2. Aspire Academy, 3. Energie Cottbus
Age group Under-15
Aspire Academy vs. Energie Cottbus 3-1
Energie Cottbus vs. Pohang Steelers 0-1
Aspire Academy vs. Pohang Steelers 0-2
Final standings: 1. Pohang Steelers, 2. Aspire Academy, 3. Energie Cottbus