Asia’s most frequent visitors to the Soccer World Cup, Korea Republic are also the continent’s most successful team at the event.
The Taeguk Warriors will be hoping to translate their regional dominance on to the world stage again when South Africa 2010 kicks off.
The road to South Africa
Korea Republic may have qualified for their seventh consecutive world finals, but it was a bumpy ride. Despite a series of lacklustre performances in the third round, the South Koreans managed to top their group after two goalless draws with neighbours Korea DPR.
The North Koreans proved to be their nemesis again in the final round, but they bounced back in style with back-to-back wins over United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, before a crucial 1-1 draw with Iran in Tehran. The mission was accomplished by a home victory in the Korean derby.
Star players
Park Ji-Sung has played a key role in Korea Republic’s two previous World Cup campaigns and established himself as the captain of his country in recent years. Forward Park Chu-Young is widely tipped as the one to solve the problem in front of goal. After a below-par performance against Switzerland at Germany 2006, the Monaco marksman is eager to redeem himself in the national team.
The coach
The appointment of Huh Jung-Moo in December 2007 put an end to the Dutch influence under the likes of Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat. Despite a sluggish start in the Asian Zone qualifying, the former Korea Republic midfielder silenced his critics by guiding his experimental side into the finals with two games to spare.
Facts
- Korea Republic were the first team to represent Asia at the Soccer World Cup in 1954, but only made their second appearance at Mexico 1986.
- Korea Republic are the most frequent visitors from Asia to the FIFA World Cup, and are set to make their eighth appearance this time in South Africa.
- The best result the Taeguk Warriors have achieved so far was at Korea/Japan 2002, where they swept past European powerhouses Portugal, Italy, and Spain to reach the last four rounds. — Fifa