Budweiser Man of the Match: PARK Ji-Sung (KOR)

18 June 2006

Korea Republic's Park Ji-Sung was named Budweiser Man of the Match after scoring the equaliser in his team's 1-1 draw with 1998 world champions France.

The Manchester United man was the key to the South Koreans' comeback after they were dominated in the first half. He contributed a hugely influential performance as the his side fought back and, fittingly, he was the player on hand to poke the ball into the net after Cho Jae-Jin had headed back across the face of goal. It meant a salvaged point for Korea Republic, putting them top of the group.

"In the first half, France controlled the game," said FIFA Technical Study Group Member Jozef Venglos, "but in the second half, Korea were able to change the pattern of the game. Park was essential in that role. He was able to create a lot of spaces, and he was the best player of the match."