Tribal Football

Ulsan keeper Jo Hyeon-woo set to shine at Club World Cup

Josh Donaldson
Jo Hyeon-woo in action
Jo Hyeon-woo in actionHan Myung-Gu / Getty Images via AFP
South Korean side Ulsan HD may not be full of household names like some of the sides competing at the Club World Cup; however, 33-year-old goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo believes his side has a chance of making it into the knockout rounds.

K League champions Ulsan head to the tournament in the US to play in Group F alongside German giants Borussia Dortmund, as well as Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense of Brazil.

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Despite some criticism about the tournament's relevancy, especially in Europe, the shot-stopper is excited to represent his nation at the global event, whilst setting some lofty ambitions.

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Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup, he said: “This tournament is a global festival, and it's very meaningful to me. It's also meaningful to our team, and I think we'll be able to enjoy it with a lot of excitement.

"Our goal is to advance to the last 16, but I think we need to go even higher because we're a team that represents Korea. 

"To do that, it's the first thing for our players to participate in the tournament in a good condition, and I think it will be an opportunity to let more people know about a goalkeeper named Jo Hyeon-woo, so I will play the game with that mindset."

For some of the players heading to the tournament, it will be a familiar setting. But for Hyeon-woo, this will be a journey of discovery.

"I'm a little nervous. I want to go and play football soon, and I think I'll leave Korea with a fluttering heart.

"I don't feel pressured at all. On the contrary, I'm going to enjoy it. I think I'm going to get a lot of plays that I want. Football is a game where you can't know the result. Everyone likes it. I'll do my best to go into the last 16 and play a good game.”

Jo Hyeon-Woo was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free.