The Road to South Africa

It would be tempting to say that South Korea enjoyed a simple passage to the World Cup and, judging from their sequence of seven wins and seven draws, that would be true. However, the games against North Korea were proof of Bill Shankly's dictum that football is more important than life and death. They drew goallessly away and won 1-0 in Seoul. And there were other performances away from home that should inspire confidence. They overcame Saudi Arabia for the first time in 19 years and forced a 1-1 draw with Iran in front of 80,000 in the Azadi Stadium. And curiously it was that draw that sent North Korea through.

The Star Players

Lee Chung-yong (Bolton) Called the Blue Dragon when he emerged as FC Seoul's most dangerous striker under their Turkish coach, Senol Gunes, Lee will need to build on some impressive attacking displays in the Premier League.

Lee Young-pyo (Al Hilal) One of the veterans of the semi-final campaign in 2002, Lee has opted for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia but, after his experience with PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund, he remains South Korea's leading left-back.

Cho Won-hee (Suwon Bluewings) Against Argentina and Nigeria, they will need to keep some formidable strikers at bay. And although Cho did not make much of an impact in England with Wigan he is still a key defensive midfielder.

The Coach

Huh Jung-moo He is no Guus Hiddink but in the shape of the 54-year-old former defender, South Korea have a very competent leader whose aim is to make his team difficult to beat as evidenced by a recent tour of Europe, where Korea drew 0-0 with Denmark and lost narrowly to Serbia. Maradona certainly remembers Huh as the defender who kicked his shin-pad to pieces when Argentina met Korea in 1986. "They played taekwondo not football," Maradona remarked. They will be rather more sophisticated this time around.

Honours

World Cup: Semi-finalists 2002.
Asian Cup: Winners 1956, 1960. Runners-up 1972, 1980, 1988.

Analysis

All across South Korea, the accepted argument is that if they are to progress, they have to beat the Greeks in their opening game in Port Elizabeth. If that happens and they can hold off the Nigerians in Durban, their game against Argentina might not matter. Qualifying for the round of 16 will be counted as a success and they will probably meet France, in Port Elizabeth. And having drawn with a better French side in 2006, that might not be such a terrifying prospect. The odds are against them progressing.

Verdict

Squad (3/5)
Neat, balanced and effective

Coach (3/5)
Says this will be his last adventure in football

Attack (2/5)
Still worries that they are too lightweight

Defence (3/5)
Have proved they can deal with European attacks