FIFA said on its website that "uncapped prior to this year and away from the spotlight at unglamorous Sangju Sangmu, Lee suddenly found himself a pivotal part of Uli Stielike’s forward line as Korea Republic marched all the way to the final.
"Tall and boasting trademark South Korean spirit, Lee netted twice, celebrating with an army salute to acknowledge his military service. The winner against Australia in the group stage and the semi-final opener against Iraq proved crucial goals for an injury-hit South Korean side missing the considerable talents of Koo Ja-cheol and Lee Chung-yong."
The four others selected were midfielder Massimo Luongo of Australia, midfielder Omar Abdulrahman of the United Arab Emirates, forward Sardar Azmoun of Iran and defender Abdelkarim Hassan of Qatar.
"Arguably no one was as influential in Australia's charge to their maiden Asian Cup crown as Massimo Luongo. So much so that the previously unheralded Sydneysider was named player of the Asian Cup for his tournament-high involvement in six goals (including four assists)," FIFA said.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
