Korea Republic is arguably Asia’s most successful football team and they must rise to that billing at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. But with opponents such as Argentina, Nigeria and Greece in their Group B, Korea Republic also known as South Korea will need more than their credentials in Asia to shine at this biggest world soccer event in South Africa.

Korea Republic may have qualified for their seventh consecutive world cup finals, but it was a bumpy ride this time. Despite a series of lacklustre performances in the third round, the South Koreans managed to top their group after two goalless draws with neighbours Korea DPR. The North Koreans proved to be their nemesis again in the final round, holding the Taeguk Warriors to a 1-1 stalemate in Shanghai. However, they bounced back in style with back-to-back wins over United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, before a crucial 1-1 draw with Iran in Tehran. A 1-0 home victory in the Korean derby followed, and the mission was accomplished with a 2-0 win against UAE on the road.

Star players of Koera Republic at 2010 FIFA World Cup
Manchester United winger Park Ji-Sung has played a key role in Korea Republic’s two previous FIFA World Cup campaigns and established himself as the captain of his country in recent years. The multifunctional winger of Manchester United is now an indispensible member of the Taeguk Warriors as his South Korea side are known as.

A clinical forward, Park Chu-Young is widely tipped as the one to solve the problem in front of goal. After a below-par performance against Switzerland at Germany 2006, the Monaco marksman is eager to redeem himself in the national team as the No10 prepares for his second appearance at the showpiece event at the age of 24.

But the other factor will be their coach Huh Jung-Moo whose appointment in December 2007 put an end to the Dutch influence under the likes of Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat. Despite a sluggish start in the Asian Zone qualifying, the former Korea Republic midfielder silenced his critics by guiding his experimental side into the finals with two games to spare.

Having scored a goal against Italy at Mexico 1986, he is no stranger to this stage as he also took part in Italy 1990 and USA 1994 as fitness trainer and assistant coach respectively. Huh was an interim coach of Korea Republic twice before, and led the U-23 side at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000.

“This will be the last chapter in my football life. I will put in all my energy to achieve good results in the World Cup,”  Jung-Moo said in a recent interview.

Korea Republic Records at FIFA World Cup

• Korea Republic are the most frequent visitors from Asia to the FIFA World Cup, and are set to make their eighth appearance this time in South Africa.
• The best result the Taeguk Warriors have achieved so far was at Korea/Japan 2002, where they swept past European powerhouses Portugal, Italy, and Spain to reach the last four.

Korea Republic Football team Squad List at FIFA 2010 World CUp

Coach: HUH Jung Moo (KOREA REPUBLIC)

By Ultimate Media