South Korea

Ever-present since Mexico 86, South Korea has once again sauntered through qualifying to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa. For those of you who are accomplished mathematicians, 2010 makes it their seventh consecutive appearance – their 8th finals overall – no mean feat.

The Red Devil’s record in World Cups is seemingly poor though, with the Koreans struggling to match the ability of the nations who reside outside of Asia. In the first 5 World Cups South Korea attended they failed to win a match. This changed dramatically in 2002 when they joint hosted the tournament, going on a magical run that led them all the way to the semi-finals, bypassing Portugal, Spain and Italy along the way. A truly remarkable achievement, something hosts South Africa will no doubt be clinging onto.

In Germany 2006 the Koreans once more slipped back into normality, failing to get out of the group stages. However, they did beat Togo 2-1 which was their first win in the World Cup out of Asia, a massive weight lifted off the nation’s collective shoulders. South Korea did manage a 1-1 draw with eventual finalists France, but a 2-0 loss to Switzerland meant they failed to progress.

The Tigers of Asia were drawn in Group B along with Argentina, Greece and Nigeria. This is a very competitive group, but then again one of South Korea’s main strengths is their work-rate. Argentina should over-power the group. Having said that, worries over Maradona as a manager could work in favour of their opposition. Greece and Nigeria both play a similar game, with reliance on strength and defence key. A strong team unit will be formed in the hope to nick a goal to oust the competition. This means South Korea will need to have some creativity to open-up gaps and to break down defences.

Manchester United player and The Red Devils captain Park Ji-sung is the midfield maestro who the fans will want to sparkle. Park Ji-sung became the first Asian player to play in the Champions League final and will be representing his country at his third World Cup. His hard working attitude, coupled with an eye to create space, make him a dangerous weapon. He found the net four times in qualifying and scored the goal that knocked Portugal out of the World Cup and advanced South Korea to the last 16 in 2002.

The midfield also plays host to Celtic’s Ki Sung-yong who is a highly rated Asian football, aged just 21. Lee Chung-yong occupies the right wing and after his impressive form for Bolton this year he will be looking to hit the mark in South Africa. Lee Chung-yong is dangerous from dead-balls due to his accurate crossing ability.

Park Chu-young scored four times in qualifying and is expected to bag the all important goals this summer. He plays his domestic football for French side Monaco. His speed is his main weapon but he also adds creativity and a skilled passing ability to his repertoire.

The defence may be South Korea’s main concern with a combined aged, including the goalkeeper, of 157 years. With age though comes experience and players such as left-back Lee Young-pyo have now travelled around some top European leagues. Lee Young-po had a stint at Spurs and has also played in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund.

The manager Huh Jung-moo has been in and out of the national set-up for 21 years now and is part of the management staff for the 4th time. At times his defensive tactics and preferred team players have caused confusion and annoyance amongst fans, but he won Asian Coach of the Year in 2009 and always gets a lot out of all players.

Since the unbelievable success in the World Cup in 2002 expectation has been high that South Korea will perform well. It is clear that they struggle to adapt to the difference between opponents they dominate in qualifying, to the teams they play on the world stage. The step-up is hard, but The Red Devils have enough quality and team determination to do what they have never achieved out of Asia before, and advance to the last 16.