BUSAN BOOM (South Korean National Football Team)

Member Name: C_Padd

Product:	South Korean National Football Team
Date:	23/06/02 (83 review reads)
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North Korea made history in 1966 when they became the first Asian team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, thanks to a shock 1-0 win over Italy. South Korea made a fine example of history repeating itself to book their quarter-final spot in 2002 with a 2-1 golden goal by Jung-Hwang Ahn against Italy. Now they have gone one step further by becoming the first Asian team to reach the semi-finals, who would bet against them beating Germany? It has been that sort of World Cup, all referees and linesmen errors aside Korea have made this to be one of the most memorable World Cups, and their achievement is more than just a flash in the pan. It could start a new Asian revolution, Japan also made their mark and China had a first appearance and the shift of power to Africa and Asian away from traditionally strong Europe and South America.

South Korea had not won a game in the World Cup before this tournament. Their neighbours to the north in 1966 shocked a few people with their achievement, but since then little has happened. South Korea have regularly qualified for the finals, consistently since 1986 and Japan debuted in 1998. South Korea ran Germany close in 1994, but has not threatened to burst onto the scene. Given the World Cup to Japan and Korea was a bold move by FIFA, but a mind blowing success. The treatment of players and fans has been exceptional, everywhere the English team went they were met by jubilant fans. The game has grown a huge amount in popularity, unlike the US in 1994 there was no need for it to wait to take off. The host team has traditionally done well, no home team has fallen in the first round.

On paper South Korea’s group was harder than Japan’s. The USA were unfancied at best, though an unknown quantity. Portugal were many peoples choice to do well, led by Luis Figo they had plenty of talent, as did Poland a traditional European power. The way the World Cup has been though it was obvious that the two w
eakest teams, Korea and USA went through. Wins over Poland and Portugal and a draw with the US was enough to top the group. The success of Mexico meant that Italy finished as runners up in the second round. Italy for all their talent and star names went one up and decided not to play. Korea scored late, then in golden goal time Ahn outjumped Maldini and found himself without a club. Spain could not repeat the feat of beating Ireland on penalties and Joaquim’s miss left Korea a semis clash with Germany. The point here is Korea actually deserve to be where they are now. They have put out three of the best sides in Europe in Spain Italy and Portugal, and in many cases outplayed them. All three European teams could argue that referees punished them, the two sending off in Portugal, linesmen for Italy and a ball than never went out for Spain all spring to mind. Korea should not have to worry about that, they attacked Italy and left with five strikers on the field when Italy refused to go forward and played well enough to force penalties against Spain. South Korea are rightfully in the semi-finals, and who would bet against them beating the Germans?

The role of Guus Hiddink should not be underestimated in the triumph of Korea. He is adored there, given honorary citizenship and free flights with Korean airlines. The Korean FA have decided to go out and hire the best of European coaches. The Dutchman has managed Valencia, Real Madrid, PSV as well as the Dutch national team. In early 2001 he took the job, already assured automatic qualification as host nation. With no qualifying games to worry about Korea have played numerous friendly games over the past two years. Beating Scotland was not too hard, but drawing with England and losing to France in the last minute should have given signs before this World Cup. This has given them plenty of big game experience against some of the top sides in the World, as well as a stable squad and good spirit. Most of the team
play domestically in Korea, and there is a good feeling of togetherness in the team. This has shown through in several games, the players are working hard for each other and don’t led anyone down. The covering and tracking back in some games has been an excellent example of how to play the game. Hiddink has also undoubtedly brought order and organisation to the team. Another of the trademarks of the Korean teams of the past has been their willingness to run all day and in any conditions. Physically the Koreans are excellent condition, fit and also tall and strong enough to surprise some people. Japan have proved to be more skilful with individuals like Nakata, Ono and Inamoto, but Korea more than make up for this with their work rate and attitude. Hiddink has made them work together, but also add purpose to their runs. Tactics and aims have been added, they have always had the physical capabilities, but now have someone behind them telling them what to do. Some of the in game tactics have been excellent. He is brave enough to try new things. Italy sat back, so Hiddink brought on more attackers and won the game. Some of the substitutions have turned the game. The late attacks have surprised Italy and Spain, they have the strength to keep fighting for 90 minutes and longer.

There are no real stars in the Korean team. Jung Hwan Ahn scored the goal that put out Italy, he was one of the few to play overseas. Unfortunately he plays in Italy for Perugia who’s larger than life chairman has now sacked him for the disgrace he has caused Italian football. Ahn was one of the better players, like many others quick and sharp going forward. The keeper Woon Jae Lee has made a name for himself with some good stops and a solid line, as have captain Myung Bo Hong and Nam Il Kim. Ki Heyon Soul upfront is also a good player.

As the FIFA website unfortunately quotes Korea are the ‘top dog’ in Asian football. It is good for the game to s
ee some new teams such as Turkey, Senegal and South Korea emerge to do well in World Cups. The displacement of power in the game could also be changing. If Senegal could have won their quarter final, one African, Asian, European and South American side would be the four in the semi-finals. South America and Europe have always had one of each, while Cameroon did the best previously for Africa reaching the quarter-finals in 1990, Senegal now equalling that. Issa Hayatou , from Africa could have taken over from the corrupt Sepp Blatter as FIFA chief, losing narrowly in the recent elections. Korea have made their mark in this World Cup. The big test will be in 2006, in Germany will they be able to do the same in Europe? It will be a tough test, they have set themselves high standards. That is 4 years off, now they have a semi-final to concentrate on. They are national heroes now, and long may these Red Devils play on.

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