Back in 2002, who would have thought that a plucky South Korean side, who hadn’t made the knockout stages of a World Cup since 1954, would have progressed to the semi-final, ultimately only going down 1-0 to a Michael Ballack inspired Germany.
However, the legacy of the 2002 edition Taeguk Warriors lives on in the survivors of that momentous campaign. Ahn Jung-Hwan, Park Ji-Sung and Lee Young-Pyo are but some of the names that continue to be involved with the national set-up.
Surely hopes must be high for South Korean fans as they have proven themselves to be the form side of the Asian Confederation in recent months. Apart from some minor hiccups in early rounds of qualification, the Tigers have romped through, almost outshining all Asian counterparts. Pitted against Argentina, Nigeria and Greece, it is an exciting Group B. South Korea will like their chances.
With the talent currently available to South Korea, it is no wonder that a sense of optimism lingers in the air.
The Coach
Huh Jung-Moo (KOR)
55 years old
The experienced coach cum technical director will be looking to maintain his nation’s recent form and turn that into some dominating performances at the World Cup. The retired former PSV Eindhoven midfielder has been in and out of coaching and technical roles since he left the professional game and has finally settled in for a second stint as head coach. Huh was appointed after a succession of Dutch coaches – Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and Pim Verbeek. It was a surprising move by the South Korean FA, but Huh snagged the job after other overseas candidates turned down the role.
Relatively popular in his homeland for his goalscoring feats in the national team from midfield, Huh has returned to the true Taeguk spirit of a fighting, tenacious, tactically adept side that can turn on the style as well as put in the hard yards. Much praise can be dished out to Huh, and many hope that his leadership will take Korea to the second round.
Players to watch
Park Ji-Sung
29 years old
Attacking Midfielder
Manchester United (ENG)
The captain of South Korea is arguably the most important member of the squad with many of their hopes pinned on the midfielder’s abilities to turn a game. Park has found himself a solid squad member at Manchester United, being a key part of a club which has won Premier League titles and a European Cup in his time at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson has also commented that it was the ‘hardest decision in his career’ to not include the plucky Korean in the starting line-up for the European final which United went on to win; such is his manager’s confidence in his ability. Korea and Park’s destinies are entwined, if Park succeeds, Korea will, if Korea succeed it is surely due to their midfield magician.
Lee Chung-Yong
21 years old
Winger
Bolton Wanderers (ENG)
The former FC Seoul winger has proven to be one of the signings of the 2009/10 English Premier League season. A relatively cheap acquisition by then manager Gary Megson, Lee went on to enjoy a superb debut campaign, getting the better of more than a handful of defenders with his pace and trickery. Many eyebrows were raised when the youngster was brought directly to the Premier League, with most South Korean players taking the indirect route of a smaller European league, before making the step up, but the majestic Lee put his doubters to shame to become a key player for Gary Megson and later Owen Coyle.
At international level the winger has become and ever-present since his debut, going on to make 27 appearances. Lee’s game is providing chances for the forwards, however, when called upon, he can hit the back of the net. If Lee can back up his club season with a solid World Cup, there might be a few clubs knocking on Bolton’s door.
Kim Jae-Sung
26 years old
Midfielder
Pohang Steelers (KOR)
Few outside of Korea have heard of the midfield dynamo, but the Asian Champions League winner is creating a burgeoning reputation for himself as one of Taeguk’s most deadly free kick specialists. His excellent techinique and attacking prowess has seen him become a increasingly important member of a talented Korean midfield. After scoring a screamer against Japan in the 2010 Asian games, it is hoped he will step up at the World Cup.
An absolutely pivotal member of Asia’s most successful Champions League club, Pohang Steelers, the young midfielder would be a welcome addition to the squad and one that could be a secret weapon for the South Koreans.
The view from South Korea
Expectations from within South Korea are of quiet optimism, hoping that progression from the group stage is possible. Taeguk captain Park Ji-Sung has stated that a second round performance for any of the Asian competitors would be a success, while coah Huh Jung-Moo has also admitted to the press that a second round performance is his goal for the team. Overall a modest goal, but it is entirely within the team to succeed.
Prediction
With the talent currently available to South Korea, it would be unwise to underestimate the Taeguk Warriors. As they proved at the 2002 edition of the World Cup, with a stern tactician at the helm, anything is possible. Arguably the current squad is more skilled than that of 2002, but with uncertainties over the maturity of some of those raw talents – the likes of Yong Ki-Sung and Lee Chung-Yong – there maybe a proneness towards inconsistency, so it will be up to the senior campaigners to keep the youngsters in check.
The tests of Greece and Nigeria will be pivotal, as a good performance against them will put them in good stead advance to the next stage. The Taeguk Warriors will be there in the Round of 16.
Did you know?
Coach Huh Jung-Moo played in the 1986 World Cup, where he came up against Diego Maradona in his prime. Huh, a tough tackling midfielder, kicked Maradona, leaving the Argentine in obvious pain. The moment was captured on camera and the photo is famous in South Korea.
Group games
12/06/10: South Korea 2 – 0 Greece – Nelson Mandela Bay
17/06/10: South Korea 1 – 4 Argentina – Soccer City, Johannesburg
22/06/10: South Korea 2 – 2 Nigeria – Durban
