Expectations have risen considerably since then

Outright percentages : 250/1
Group G Winners : 10/1

South Korea shocked the football world 4 years ago when they beat Italy and Spain to reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. It definitely was a outstanding accomplishment. In the group stage, an opening match win over Poland and a shock 1-0 victory over Portugal made sure they became the 1st Asian team to qualify from the group stage since Saudi Arabia in 1994.

In the second round they defeated Italy in additional time, a result which saw winning goal scorer Ahn Jung-Hwan sacked by his companies at Serie A club Perugia. They edged past Spain on penalties in the quarter final before a narrow 1-0 defeat against Germany in the semis brought their fairytale run to an end.

expectations have risen significantly since that time and Guus Hiddink is a tough act to follow. During qualification Korea went through 2 coaches before fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat took over in preparation for the finals in Germany.

South Korea were far from convincing during qualification and Hiddkink’s inheritor, HUmberto Coelho, lasted only 2 qualifying matches. He resigned after a bad goalless draw against the Maldives whose contemporary pedigree encompasses a 12-0 defeat to Syria and 17-0 hammering against Iran.

Jo Bonfrere took control of and despite directing the team to their 5th successive World Cup finals, quit in Aug 2005 following lacklustre performances. Korea finished as runners up in their qualifying group but endured home and away defeats to Saudi Arabia and an away draw to lowly Uzbekistan.

While Hiddink enjoyed just about half a season with the team four years ago in preparation for the 2002 finals, Advocaat, by comparison, has hardly had a chance to get to know his squad.

South Korea won’t be seen as an unproven quantity and a number of players are excelling at club level in Europe. Hiddink took a number of quality players with him to PSV Eindoven following the last competition while Park Ji-Sung secured a move to Manchester United.

it could also be argued that Korea have struggled defensively since some of their vet defenders retired since the last World Cup. Particularly previous captain and defensive lynchpin Myung Bo Hong who participated in the 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals, at last retiring with 135 caps.

recommended Bet
Following a remarkable run 4 years back, South Korea could revert to their old ways of not getting past the group stage. Expectation is at an {all-time record} high but they could suffer with a shock against Togo in their opening match who may be ok for a draw.

Togo vs South Korea draw 9/4.

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