Corea

The Players

The Games

Factoids

Qualifying star: No single player stood out but Lee Dong-Gook's goals proved crucial. Unfortunately the striker is now sidelined with a knee injury.

Manager: The experienced Dutchman Dick Advocaat replaced Jo Bonfrere, who led them through qualifying but stepped down after some disappointing results.

Captain: While the new boss feels his way into the job no decision has been made on who will wear the captain's armband, but it is likely to be a defender with Choi Jin-Cheul tipped to get the nod.

World Cup history: Have qualified for the last five World Cups but generally went out in the group stage, although as hosts in 2002 they achieved a remarkable fourth place.

World Cup high: Corea did not win a game in their first five appearances in the finals but that all changed in 2002 when they shocked the world by seeing off Portugal, Italia and España on the way to the semi-finals.

World Cup low: Korea made their first appearance in the World Cup finals in 1954, but it proved to be a tough debut as they were thumped 9-0 by Hungary and 7-0 by Turkey.

World Cup legend: Myung Bo Hong was the captain and lynchpin of the defence that took them so far in 2002. He also played in the 1990, 1994 and 1998 finals and retired with 135 caps.

Stars of the team: Park Ji-Sung. After starring for PSV Eindhoven his arrival at Manchester United has seen his profile hit the roof. That has been backed up by some impressive performances in the Premiership.

Strengths: A young side offers plenty of potential and competition for places in attack and midfield.

Weaknesses: The side has struggled at the back since losing some of their veteran defenders who helped them to the last four in 2002.

Did you know? Korea's Ahn Jung-Hwan was sacked by Serie A club Perugia after he scored the winning goal against Italia in the 2002 finals.

World ranking: 29

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