South Korea

The most frequent Asian team to visit the World Cup – South Korea boast a huge arsenal of talent as they proved in 2002 when they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.

They lost narrowly to Germany but grabbed the hearts of the world watching. Could this be the year that the ‘Taeguk Warriors’ shock the world again?

Star Player - Park Ji Sung

When Manchester United signed Park Ji Sung many cynical people raised eyebrows and saw it as United trying to gain a foothold in the Korean merchandising market. It turned out this couldn't have been further from the truth.

Park Ji Sung's amazing versatility and unbelievable fitness levels mean that for club and country he is a vital player capable of setting up and scoring vital goals. Park is also pretty handy defensively and will captain South Korea in South Africa.

Coach - Huh Jung-Moo

The third choice for the South Korean hot seat behind Gerard Houllier and Mick McCarthy, Huh Jung-Moo hasn't had an awful lot of praise from the fans and media as a lacklustre campaign saw South Korea labour to qualification.

The coach will be looking to inspiration from a crop of young starlets alongside well-known stars like Park Ji Sung.

The Koreans may be able to spring a surprise but in conditions, which will not suit them and average form the Koreans could mean we see them going home early from South Africa.



One to Watch - Lee Chung Yong

The Blue Dragon, Lee Chung Yong has come along way in a short time since his debut in 2006 for FC Seoul. Lee stood out from an early age and alongside fellow youth team graduate Ki Sung Yong now of Celtic while Lee was signed by Bolton for £2.2m.

Lee's dribbling and skilful link up play has seen him become a menace for many defences in Korea and now in England where he produced a stunning display against Tottenham and has scored 3 goals so far during the season.

Alongside Ki Sung Yong and Ji Sung Park, South Korea have a skilful and athletic midfield who could spring a surprise

Odds to win - 250/1

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