SEVEN is a number that is associated with mythology, religion and even perfection.

But there is nothing other worldly, miraculous or perfect about the way his 14-year-olds play, says South Korea's Asian Youth Games football coach Chung Jung Yong.

Just give them a ball and let their instincts take over, the tactician believes.

Despite his attempts to downplay his team's overwhelming superiority, South Korea gave another polished performance in the 2-0 semi-final win over China for their seventh win. It maintained their perfect tournament record of seven wins in as many games and made them favourites for the gold medal.

They have bulged the net 28 times and conceded just four goals.

Add to that the style and swagger, and Chung has the nucleus of the future Korean national team in his hands.

But the coach insisted: 'They are only 14. There is little point in teaching them too much tactics.

'It's more important that they go out there and play their natural game.'

What the 1,000-strong crowd at the Jalan Besar Stadium saw over the 80-minute game last night was how flair and fitness is so deeply ingrained in South Korea's DNA.

Read the full story in The Sunday Times.