33·Legends

Choi Soon-ho vs Hong Myung-bo

South Korea against South Korea. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

CS

Choi Soon-ho

South Korea · 1980s · ST

Almanac rating
84
Rank in South Korea
#9 of 33
Caps
97 · 30 goals
Clubs
FC Pohang Steelers, FC Seoul, Rodez AF

Italy were defending the World Cup when he struck from outside the box in the 62nd minute at Puebla on 10 June 1986, and he set up Huh Jung-moo's late goal in the 3-2 defeat that followed. Six years earlier he had been the AFC Asian Cup's youngest ever top scorer at 18, and he went on to Asian Games gold in 1986, K League titles with POSCO and Lucky-Goldstar, and 30 goals in more than 90 caps. Career record: 97 caps and 30 goals for South Korea; club career at FC Pohang Steelers, FC Seoul, Rodez AF.

vs
HM

Hong Myung-bo

South Korea · 1990–2002 · CB

Almanac rating
87
Rank in South Korea
#4 of 33
Caps
136 · 10 goals
Clubs
FC Pohang Steelers, Shonan Bellmare, Kashiwa Reysol

In Gwangju on 22 June 2002 he walked up to take South Korea's fifth penalty against Spain and buried it, sending the hosts into a World Cup semi-final. He was voted the tournament's third best player and took the Bronze Ball, the first Asian to finish in a World Cup's top three, after 136 caps, four World Cups from 1990 to 2002 and a place in the 2002 All-Star team. Career record: 136 caps and 10 goals for South Korea; club career at FC Pohang Steelers, Shonan Bellmare, Kashiwa Reysol.

The verdict

The almanac puts Hong Myung-bo ahead by 3 rating points, 87 against 84.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

More arguments