South Korea / Dave Farrar / 13 May 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

The 2002 semi-finalists may not be quite the force they were two World Cups ago but they do have that essential blend of youth and experience now and if Ji-Sung Park can inspire his younger team-mates they can stick around for a while...

"In 2002, many of the “well organised, hardworking” clichés about South Korea proved to be spot on, and I’m afraid that the 2010 version of the Red Devils will conform to stereotype. Huh has been criticised for his negativity, and his team’s first ambition in every game is to organise itself defensively."

As World Cup semi finalists from only eight years ago, South Korea have to be respected in South Africa, and Huh Jung-Moo will feel that his team has a live chance of making it through what could prove to be a group of underachievers.

In 2002, many of the "well organised, hardworking" clichés about South Korea proved to be spot on, and I'm afraid that the 2010 version of the Red Devils will conform to stereotype. Huh has been criticised for his negativity, and his team's first ambition in every game is to organise itself defensively.

Only 4 of their 14 qualifying games produced over 2.5 goals, and I don't think there'll be too many fireworks from them. They may do just enough to make it through to the last 16, but their record away from home in international tournaments doesn't fill you full of hope.

Brilliant in 2002,turgid and disappointing in Germany four years ago. These are their seventh World Cup finals in a row, though, and they do bring that oft cited blend of youth and experience which often serves teams well in major tournaments. Never before have South Korea gone to a World Cup with a squad that had this many major tournament miles on the clock, and that will surely count for something. Their opening game against Greece will be all important, but given the cagey nature of both teams' approach, it screams goalless draw.

Coach: Huh Jung Moo

If you think that you remember the name of South Korea's coach, then there may be a reason. He was on the scoresheet for his country against Italy back in Mexico in 1986, and his impressive career as a player means that he doesn't lack respect from his squad - a key factor when you consider that he's following in the footsteps of the likes of Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat.

He's a fitness expert, and acted as the physical coach for the national team before his appointment to the big job. His squad will not want for stamina in South Africa, but their qualifying campaign suggests that quality might end up being the issue for Huh and his team.

Key Players

Ji-Sung Park

It's an obvious pick, but Premier League audiences take the consistency of Park for granted. He is Sir Alex Ferguson's perpetual motion, big game player, and, when you consider the patronising attitude which still exists towards Asian football, that's a remarkable achievement. Park is the biggest Asian footballer EVER, and he'll be Korea's best player, but can he drag enough inspired performances from those around him to get the team into the knockout phase?

Sung-yeung Ki

One of the young players who has given a huge impetus to the national squad, Ki joined Celtic in January, and he'll be learning from the experience of being around a big club. As the leader of the younger generation of players, he is capable of helping Park to inspire the rest of the team, and if he performs well, Asian football could have a new megastar.

Chu Young Park

The "other" Park is an interesting player. An international as a teenager, he was always supposed to be the next big thing in Asian football, but injuries and a subsequent loss of motivation took their toll. Impressively, though, he has recovered from his setbacks, and now looks a rounded player at the age of 24. He scored four goals in qualifying and is important in linking the team together as a support striker. They won't want for legs and energy, but he is one of the players who gives them a touch of class.

Recommended Bet: Back 0-0 draw in South Korea v Greece on 12th June @ [9.6]

Tags: Ji-Sung Park, South Korea football, South Korea team, South Korean players, Sung-yeung Ki