South Korea’s path to the World Cup was turbulent, they switched managers with two games to go during qualifying.
Out went Uli Stielike, under whom the Taegeuk Warriors were floundering, and in danger of missing out on this summer’s tournament in Russia after a shock 3-2 loss to Qatar. Shin Tae-yong, a former international attacking midfielder of some repute, was drafted in and oversaw two 0-0 draws to ensure his country avoided failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1982.
That’s a formidable record, but it comes with expectation. Fans were irked by the celebrations after South Korea’s final qualifier, against Uzbekistan, because reaching the World Cup is now a bare minimum requirement, with this summer’s tournament their ninth successive appearance at football’s showpiece event.
Indeed, previous national teams have set a high bar, especially after reaching the semi-finals in 2002 as hosts. In 2014, when South Korea crashed out at the group stage having taken a solitary point against Belgium, Russia, and Algeria, the players returning from Brazil were pelted with candy by fans at the airport.
Those memories should serve as a warning to this year’s squad, as they face a tough group yet again, but with far greater doubt over whether the players can live up to expectation.
It’s not inconceivable that they finish with just one point yet again. The first two games against Sweden and Mexico are crucial, as the writing will be on the wall if they haven’t picked up enough points before facing Germany.
How they fare at the World Cup will depend on the exploits of star attacker, Tottenham’s Son Heung-min. There are other exciting young players in the squad and Shin has promised vibrant football now that the burden of qualification is off, but South Korea will go as far as Son takes them.
The national set-up is still trying to figure out how to get the best out of a player who is the most recognisable South Korean footballer since Park Ji-sung.
Son will be heading to Russia on the back of a superb season for Tottenham, but he’ll have to produce something special for his country to stand a chance.
KEY PLAYER
Son Heung-min
Star attraction: Not since Ji-sung Park have Korea had such a widely-known player.
South Korea are still drawing up ways of how to get the best out of the man, who is by far their most high-profile player. Son is coming off a fabulous season with Tottenham, and could spark his national side into life in Russia.
COACH
Shin Tae-yong
Shin steered Korea to qualification when they looked in danger of missing out.
Shin has guaranteed that disgruntled supporters will see a different South Korea come the World Cup, after presiding over 0-0 stalemates in his first two competitive games. If the K-League legend can get the team playing in his image, they should prove fun to watch.
CAPTAIN
Ki Sung-yueng
Captain Ki Sung-Yeung will provide a steady presence on the pitch.
It’s a mark of how important Ki is that Shin named him captain for South Korea’s crucial qualifiers against Iran and Uzbekistan even though the Swansea midfielder wasn’t fit. The team has flashier players, but Ki always ensures his presence is felt both on and off the pitch.
YOUNG STAR
Hwang Hee-chan
Hwang Hee-Chan is one of Korea’s brightest young talents.
The 22-year-old is on the radar of several Premier League teams after scoring 12 goals in 35 appearances for Salzburg this season. One of only three forwards in the squad, Hwang has the chance to be Son’s leading running mate.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
– No Asian team has appeared at the World Cup more times than South Korea, who are making their 10th appearance this summer.
– Their fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup is the best-ever performance by an Asian team.
– Legendary Bundesliga star Cha Bum-kun is their most capped (138) and leading all-time scorer (59).
FIFA Rating
69 DEF 74 MID 70 ATT
World Cups competed at
10 (First in 1954)
World Cup record
P31, W5, D9, L17
Best finish
Fourth place (2002)
Qualification record
P18, W12, D3, L3
World ranking
61
SQUAD
South Korea’s hopes rest on Son’s performance.
Goalkeepers: K. Seung-gyu (Vissel Kobe), K. Jin-hyeon (Cerezo Osaka), C. Hyun-woo (Daegu FC).
Defenders: K. Young-gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), J. Hyun-soo (FC Tokyo), J. Seunghyun (Sagan Tosu), Y. Yong-sun (Seongnam FC), K. Kyung-won (Tianjin Quanjian), O. Ban-suk (Jeju United), K. Jin-su (Jeonbuk), K. Min-woo (Sangju Sangmu), P. Joo-ho (Ulsan), H. Chul (Sangju Sangmu), G. Yo-han (FC Seoul), L. Yong (Jeonbuk)
Midfielders: K. Sung-yueng (Swansea), J. Woo-young (Vissel Kobe), K. Changhoon (Dijon), J. Se-jong (Asan Mugunghwa FC), K. Ja-cheol (Augsburg), L. Jae-sung (Jeonbuk), L. Seung-woo (Verona), M. Seon-min (Incheon United), L. Chung-yong (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: K. Shin-wook (Jeonbuk), S. Heung-min (Tottenham), H. Hee-chan (Red Bull Salzburg), L. Keun-ho (Gangwan FC)
VERDICT
If Shin can get the most out of his star player Son, this is a side that can reach the quarter-finals. If not, they’ll crash out of Group F.
