Outright percentages : 250/1
Group G Winners : 10/1
South Korea shocked the football world 4 years ago when they beat Italy and Spain to reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. It was a noteworthy achievement. In the group stage, an opening match win over Poland and a shock 1-0 triumph over Portugal ensured they became the first Asian team to qualify from the group stage since Saudi Arabia in 1994.
In the second round they defeated Italy in extra time, a result which saw winning goal scorer Ahn Jung-Hwan sacked by his bosses at Serie A club Perugia. They rimmed past Spain on penalties in the quarter final before a narrow 1-0 defeat against Germany in the semis brought their fairytale run to a close.
expectancies have risen considerably since then and Guus Hiddink is a tough act to follow. During qualification Korea went through two coaches before fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat took over in preparation for the finals in Germany.
South Korea were a long way from convincing during qualification and Hiddkink’s inheritor, HUmberto Coelho, lasted just two qualifying matches. He resigned after an embarrassing goalless draw against the Maldives whose recent pedigree includes a 12-0 defeat to Syria and 17-0 hammering against Iran.
Jo Bonfrere took over and despite guiding the team to their 5th successive World Cup finals, quit in Aug 2005 following lacklustre performances. Korea finished as runners up in their qualifying group but endured home and away defeats to Saudi Arabia and an away draw to lowly Uzbekistan.
While Hiddink enjoyed nearly half a season with the team 4 years back in preparation for the 2002 finals, Advocaat, in comparison, has hardly had a chance to begin to know his squad.
South Korea will not be seen as an unassessed quantity and a number of players are excelling at club level in Europe. Hiddink took a number of quality players with him to PSV Eindoven following the last tournament while Park Ji-Sung secured a move to Manchester United.
it can also be argued that Korea have wrestled defensively since some of their vet defenders retired since the last World Cup. Particularly previous captain and defensive lynchpin Myung Bo Hong who took part in the 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals, ultimately retiring with 135 caps.
recommended Bet
Following an exceptional run four years back, South Korea could go back to their old techniques of not getting past the group stage. Expectation is at abest-ever record} high but they could suffer from a shock against Togo in their opening match who may be adequate for a draw.
Togo vs South Korea draw 9/4.
For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out Mt Sorak facts.
Tags: Advocaat, Seoul, South Korea, World Cup