World Cup Team Profiles: Group B: South Korea

Teams / Ari Last / 17 February 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Some facts on a South Korea side who were as brilliant in 2002 as they were ordinary in 2006...

On home soil and under the masterful guise of Guus Hiddink, South Korea performed superbly to reach the Semi-Finals in 2002. Yet eight years on, and after disappointing in 2006, there are few who fancy them to enjoy an extended spell in South Africa this summer. A sentiment reflected in their current price of [360.0] to become the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.

Nation: South Korea

Also known as...
'The Taeguk Warriors'

Road to South Africa...
South Korea's route to the last qualifying stage was far from convincing, although once faced with the final hurdle, they leapt it with room to spare. Wins over Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were crucial, yet none was as celebrated as their success over rivals North Korea, whom they beat 1-0 at home, after drawing with them earlier in Shanghai.

World Cup Pedigree...
South Korea were the first side to represent Asia in a World Cup back in 1954, and in recent times they have unquestionably been the region's leading light when it comes to the global game, with 2010 set to be their seventh consecutive appearance at the tournament. Although their participation last time out was cut short in the group stages, the memory of their extraordinary efforts in 2002 will still be at the forefront of the minds of an expectant nation.

They'll be relying on...
Their vociferous and colourful support. Few could forget the way in which South Korea were followed when hosting the tournament in 2002. The unity, passion and originality of their supporters undoubtedly spurred them on to great things, and with South Africa not being too far a journey to travel, the team will be hoping for fabulous support once more.

Something you may not have known is that...
Veteran striker Ahn Jung-Hwan is reportedly in line for an international recall, after being omitted from the national squad since 2008. Hwan famously scored the goal in 2002 that knocked Italy out of the World Cup, and as a result, he was fired from his club at the time, Perugia.

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