Republic of Korea Korea Football Association
1928
Coach: Huh, Jung-Moo
Confederation: AFC
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 52
Previous Appearances: 7
(1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
Background
South Africa 2010 will be the seventh consecutive appearance for the Republic of Korea, an achievement in itself. Korea has seen resurgence (though it took 32 years) since the debacle of the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, where they were mauled by huge margins. The climax of this comeback was the 2002 World Cup, which Korea co-hosted with Japan. They shocked the world by becoming the first Asian team to reach the semi-finals. However, they could not repeat this fabulous performance in 2006 in Germany, where they had to pack up after the first stage, though they managed a win and a draw.
The road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
Third Round:
Korea Republic was placed along with North Korea, Jordan, and Turkmenistan Third Round’s Group C. in their first game they crushed Turkmenistan 4-0 on home soil. Two consecutive draws against North Korea and Jordan followed, but the position was somewhat redeemed by a 1-0 return leg victory away at Amman. A 3-1 win and three points in Turkmenistan was enough for South Korea to march into the next round, despite a 0-0 draw with North Korea in their last match. Both Koreas bagged 12 points, but the South topped the table on goal difference.
Fourth Round:
The five teams in group B were Korea Republic, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
The first match against North Korea was a repeat of their two earlier encounters, the game ending in a 1-1 draw. But they won the next two matches against the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia scoring six goals and conceding only one. A 1-1 draw away to Iran followed. However, the biggest happening of the qualifier was just round the corner. South Korea finally defeated the North 1-0 at Seoul.
South Korea went on to win against the United Arab Emirates, and draw with Saudi Arabia and Iran. Despite dropping important points South Korea topped Group B with 16 points.
Strengths
Versatile players with excellent ball control and pace abound in the Korean team. The coordination among the team is strong and the team morale is always very high. They are hard working and determined and have a never say die attitude.
Weaknesses
The players in general are not tall when compared to the European players. This is especially true for the defence and hence defending set pieces has not been easy. The bench strength is not as competent as the starting line up. Thus suspension or injuries to strikers like Park Chu-Young wingers like Park Ji-Sung and Lee Chung-Yong, the team’s rhythm gets upset and reflects in the performance.
The Coach
The well known Korean international Huh Jung-Moo has set up a record of sorts as a coach remaining unbeaten for 27 consecutive matches. His stress is on defence and so South Korea is difficult to beat, even if they may not win.
Star Men
Ahn Jung-Hwan;
The veteran forward has made a comeback and will we eager to prove that he is not a spent force at 34. it was Ahn who scored the golden goal against Italy in the 2002 World Cup to catapult the Koreans into the quarter final for the first time. He was also a member of the 2006 World Cup squad and scored a goal.
Park Ji-Sung;
A Manchester United star, Park Ji-Sung is regarded the fulcrum of the Korean team. The attacking midfielder has been capped over 80 times for the national team.
Park Chu-Young;
The 24-year old has shown promise in the World Cup qualifying stage scoring four goals. He has been an ace performer for his current club AS Monaco
Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers);
Known for his deep crosses, the 21-year-old is in his debut season for Bolton Wanderers. This midfielder is a rising star in the Korean horizon.
Best Footballing Moment
The 2002 World Cup when Korea advanced to the semi-finals.
World Cup Objective
To reach the last 16 for the first time in a World Cup away from home.
|
