South Korea World Cup Squad Preview

Written by Tony Concannon Thursday, 10 June 2010 11:54

World Cup Squad Previews

South Africa 2010 will be South Korea's seventh successive World Cup finals appearance. They were unbraten in qualifying, with four wins and four draws, and head into the tournament with confidence high. South Korea reached the semi-finals in 2002 when they were shared host with Japan. I don't expect them to go as far this time, but they could make a surprise push to the last 16.

Huh Jung-Moo's men will be a tough team to beat. He has turned them into a well-drilled unit and they have a real team-spirit and togetherness about them, having all been part of the same squad for a number of years now. They only conceded four goals in eight qualifying games, and are a hard team to break down.

A lot of credit for their success in 2002 should of course go to the management skills of Guus Hiddink. The Dutchman led them to victories over Portugal, Italy and Spain, but a repeat of such heroics is unlikely in South Africa. 

Current coach Hung-Moo has included three British-based players in his squad. The star man is Manchester United midfield dynamo Park Ji-Sung, who skippers the side. He is joined by Bolton winger Lee Chung-Yong, who was very impressive in his first season in the Premier League, and is worth keeping an eye on. Celtic's Ki Sung-Yong completes the trio. There was no call-up for Seol Ki-Hyeon, as the ex-Fulham and Reading striker has not recovered from knee surgery in time.  Cho Won-Hee makes the squad though. The midfielder signed for Wigan last year but is currently back home on a season-long loan with Suwon Bluewings. 

South Korea are in Group B, where they will face Greece in their opening match, before clashes with Argentina and finally Nigeria. It's possible for South Korea to get out of this group and to perhaps make further progress. A lot will depend on Manchester United's Park, but they will need others to come good, as the Koreans can't solely rely on his determination, drive and energy. No matter how much he seems to have. A good start against Greece is essential and if all goes to plan they could face a crucial final group clash with Nigeria to decide who qualifies with Argentina. I think they'll do it... if all goes to plan.  

Argentina v South Korea Betting Preview

South Korea squad:

Goalkeepers: Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-Ryong (Seongnam).

Defenders: Kim Dong-Jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-Il (Pohang), Oh Beom-Seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Kashima Antlers), Cha Du-Ri (SC Freiburg), Cho Yong-Hyung (Jeju), Kang Min-Soo (Suwon);

Midfielders: Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-Kyung (Oita), Kim Nam-Il (Tom Tomsk), Kim Jae-Sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-Woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United);

Forwards: Park Chu-Young (ASMonaco), Ahn Jung-Hwan (DalianShide), Lee Seung-Ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-Hun (Suwon), Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk) 

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