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Korean roster set for Olympic football prep tourney

Korea on Monday announced their under-23 men's football roster for an Olympic prep tournament.

Salzburg striker Hwang Hee-chan was one of 23 players named to the squad, as Korea are readying to host Nigeria, Honduras and Denmark early next month.

Korea will be making their eighth straight Olympic appearance in Rio de Janeiro in August. Korea beat rival Japan to take the bronze medal at the previous Summer Games in London, the country's first Olympic medal in football.

Hwang, who played an integral role in Korea qualifying for the Olympics in January, had missed the country's two friendlies against Algeria in March.

Hwang is one of six players based in Europe. Three players, including defensive back Song Ju-hun, ply their trade in Japan.

Fourteen others are based in the domestic K League Classic.

The Olympic football competition is open to players under 23 years of age, though each country is allowed to select up to three older players as their "wild cards."

Head coach Shin Tae-yong has already filled one of the three slots with Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, and has hinted he'd use two remaining wild card spots on defensive backs.

The final Olympic roster will have 18 players.

In the upcoming competition, Korea will take on Nigeria on June 2, Honduras on June 4 and Denmark on June 6. All three opponents have qualified for the Rio Olympics. For the Olympics, Korea have been paired with Germany, Fiji and Mexico in Group C. (Yonhap)

 

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