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South Korea
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/news/090601_p27_best.jpg
Manager: Huh Jung-Moo
Captain: Park Ji-Sung
FIFA Ranking: 49
Group B
Background: The Koreans qualified for their first World Cup in 1954 but disappointed as they lost 7-0 to Turkey and 9-0 to Hungary before exiting at the group stage. 32 years later they returned to the Finals, earning their first point in a draw against Bulgaria despite being in the socalled Group of Death, however, this was not enough to prevent an exit at the group stage once again. Since then, they have qualified for the last seven consecutive World Cups, most notably, reaching the semi-finals as they co-hosted the tournament in 2002.
Qualification: The Koreans made qualifiying for the world's greatest football tournament look easy. The first round of qualify saw them only lose points to arch enemies North Korea as they sailed through before dispatching the likes of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the next round, initially securing another disappointing draw against North Korea in their opening game before going onto win four of the next five games to qualify.
The Team
Strengths: The Koreans have great team spirit and this is shown in their fantastic work-rate, which some may see in Park Ji-Sung's performances in the Premiership and this is considered normal by most Koreans on the pitch. A lot of the Korean squad are also very versatile and this will be a great asset if there are any injuries during the tournament with a limited squad.
Weaknesses: Most of the side are quite small, the tallest first choice centre-back being just 185cm tall and they struggle at set pieces. The Koreans also have little back-up should a key player get injured. It is widely thought that if any one of the Korean's four key players receives an injury their tournament will be over as they have no replacements.
The Manager: An ex-player, a legend as a player and now a manager too. Huh Jung-Moo, or "Jindo Dog" prefers to focus on the defence but his competitive nature and tough mentality helped as his side went on a 27 match unbeaten run which only came to an end in November 2009, in a friendly against Serbia at Craven Cottage.
Star Men: Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United)
The Manchester United man, famous for his work rate, plays as an attacking winger for the Korean side, which he captains. His skill and technique make him a key player. He has scored eleven goals in 85 appearances for the national team, and has scored the same number of goals but in 101 appearances for the Red Devils.
Park Chu-Yong (AS Monaco)
South Korea's main attacking threat, Chu-Yong scored four in qualifying at the age of 24 and has since become a key player. A dead ball specialist with extraordinary pace, he can run 100m in under eleven seconds - Olympic pace, the young frontman has scored thirteen goals on the international stage since making his debut in 2005.
manor15's Prediction
Group Stages. Qualification to the tournament may have been easy for South Korea but like in 2006, they don't have enough about them to reach the Second Round. Any injuries could ruin their chances as any potential replacements are nowhere near the quality needed to do well in a World Cup. They may also struggle against the aerial prowess of Nigeria and skill of the Argentinians and the Greeks but the Koreans are full of surprises so don't rule them out.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/news/090601_p27_best.jpg
Manager: Huh Jung-Moo
Captain: Park Ji-Sung
FIFA Ranking: 49
Group B
Background: The Koreans qualified for their first World Cup in 1954 but disappointed as they lost 7-0 to Turkey and 9-0 to Hungary before exiting at the group stage. 32 years later they returned to the Finals, earning their first point in a draw against Bulgaria despite being in the socalled Group of Death, however, this was not enough to prevent an exit at the group stage once again. Since then, they have qualified for the last seven consecutive World Cups, most notably, reaching the semi-finals as they co-hosted the tournament in 2002.
Qualification: The Koreans made qualifiying for the world's greatest football tournament look easy. The first round of qualify saw them only lose points to arch enemies North Korea as they sailed through before dispatching the likes of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the next round, initially securing another disappointing draw against North Korea in their opening game before going onto win four of the next five games to qualify.
The Team
Strengths: The Koreans have great team spirit and this is shown in their fantastic work-rate, which some may see in Park Ji-Sung's performances in the Premiership and this is considered normal by most Koreans on the pitch. A lot of the Korean squad are also very versatile and this will be a great asset if there are any injuries during the tournament with a limited squad.
Weaknesses: Most of the side are quite small, the tallest first choice centre-back being just 185cm tall and they struggle at set pieces. The Koreans also have little back-up should a key player get injured. It is widely thought that if any one of the Korean's four key players receives an injury their tournament will be over as they have no replacements.
The Manager: An ex-player, a legend as a player and now a manager too. Huh Jung-Moo, or "Jindo Dog" prefers to focus on the defence but his competitive nature and tough mentality helped as his side went on a 27 match unbeaten run which only came to an end in November 2009, in a friendly against Serbia at Craven Cottage.
Star Men: Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United)
The Manchester United man, famous for his work rate, plays as an attacking winger for the Korean side, which he captains. His skill and technique make him a key player. He has scored eleven goals in 85 appearances for the national team, and has scored the same number of goals but in 101 appearances for the Red Devils.
Park Chu-Yong (AS Monaco)
South Korea's main attacking threat, Chu-Yong scored four in qualifying at the age of 24 and has since become a key player. A dead ball specialist with extraordinary pace, he can run 100m in under eleven seconds - Olympic pace, the young frontman has scored thirteen goals on the international stage since making his debut in 2005.
manor15's Prediction
Group Stages. Qualification to the tournament may have been easy for South Korea but like in 2006, they don't have enough about them to reach the Second Round. Any injuries could ruin their chances as any potential replacements are nowhere near the quality needed to do well in a World Cup. They may also struggle against the aerial prowess of Nigeria and skill of the Argentinians and the Greeks but the Koreans are full of surprises so don't rule them out.
