Confederation:
AFC
 
Star Players:
Park Ji-Sung, Ki Sung-Yong
 
Best World Cup Finish:
Fourth Place (2002)
 
Current FIFA Ranking:
47
 
Strengths:
Team unity & hard work
 
Weaknesses:
Defending set-pieces & scoring goals
 
Fans:
Passionate
 
More On :  South Korea
The seed was planted for South Korean football with the co-hosting of the 2002 World Cup and the Taegeuk Warriors' memorable run to the semi final. Young players like Lee Chung-Yong (22, Bolton), Ki Sung-Yueng (21, Celtic) and Son Heung-Min (18, Hamburg) now ply their trade in Europe and will lead the cuntry into a promising future.

Meanwhile there is no shortage of prospective talent in Asia, where Koo Ja-Chul (21, Jeju United), Yun Bitgaram (20, Gyeongnam), Hong Jung-Ho (21, Jeju United), Lee Seung-Ryul (21, FC Seoul), Ji Dong-Won (19, Chunnam Dragons) and Kim Bo-Kyung (21, Oita Trinita) reside.

Having reached seven consecutive World Cups, South Korea is undoubtedly an Asian powerhouse but in the Asian Cup their accomplishments are comparatively modes; they last won the tournament in 1960 and have finished runners-up on three occasions.

How They Qualified

Qualified automatically after finishing third at the 2007 Asian Cup.



Coach & Tactics

Cho Kwang-Rae was appointed after the 2010 World Cup. As a player Cho was a star playmaker who was prominent during the mid-1970s and 1980s. After retiring in 1987, he became assistant coach at the Daewu Royals before going on to manage Anyang LG (currently FC Seoul), FC Seoul and Gyeongnam. In 2000, he led Anyang to their third K-League title. Thanks to his origins as an attacker, he has made his preference for a passing game modelled around that of world champions Spain known. He also prefers a 3-4-3 formation with a libero employed. Bolton's Lee Chung-Yong has described Cho's style of play as "kaleidoscopic", though certain players unfamiliar with the system are finding it difficult to adapt to.

Star Player

Despite the emergence of a crop of young stars, South Korea's talisman undoubtedly is Park Ji-Sung. The Manchester United man is captain of his country and impressively led them into the Last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa. He is the only Korean player to have scored in three separate World Cups.

Missing out on the 2007 Asian Cup through injury, Qatar 2011 will be the swansong of an international career that has spanned more than 90 games.

Other players to keep an eye on are young Monaco striker Park Chu-Young, Lee Chung-Yong of Bolton, Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng and veteran defender Lee Young-Pyo.

Fans' Expectations

Anything other than a semi final berth would be deemed a catstrophe, with fans expecting their side to bring home the trophy.

Goal.com Prediction

Korea is obvioulsy a title contender along with the likes of Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Australia will be their first big opponent in the group stages and their meeting will likely decide who finishes top. From there on they face a potentially tricky quarter final against one of the Group D teams. That means one of either defending champions Iraq, rivals North Korea, powerhouses Iran and the UAE. They'll want to avoid an Iran team they are traditionally weak against. If they can get past that last-eight tie, they'll have the momentum necesssary to reach the final.

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WCQ South Korea - Kuwait 2/29/12 7:00 PM GMT
  
Top Scorers
Player Goals Penalties
Chu-Young Park Chu-Young Park
Striker
South Korea 		6 0
Chung-Yong Lee Chung-Yong Lee
Midfielder
South Korea 		2 0
Jung-Soo Lee Jung-Soo Lee
Defender
South Korea 		2 0
Dong-Won Ji Dong-Won Ji
Striker
South Korea 		2 0
Koo Ja-Cheol Koo Ja-Cheol
Midfielder
South Korea 		1 1