Throughout Asian soccer, one question looms: Can South Korea come close to
matching its sensational run to fourth place in the last World Cup?
Heading into 2002, South Korea had not won a match in five previous trips to
the World Cup and, while pundits predicted a typically energetic showing on home
soil, the co-hosts weren't expected to advance beyond the first round.
With Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink at the helm and with home-field advantage,
however, South Korea produced some stunning results.
Millions of people crammed into downtown squares and malls to watch live
coverage of the matches on giant TV screens, with each victory contributing to
the nationwide euphoria.
Desperate for last-minute ticket returns, thousands of citizens camped on
sidewalks around stadiums.
The dramatic run ended in consecutive losses to 2006 host Germany in the
semifinals and to Turkey in the third-place playoff.
It was the best performance by an Asian nation at a World Cup and it
coincided with the continent's first hosting of soccer's marquee competition.
But this time three key ingredients are missing: home-field advantage,
Hiddink and the element of surprise. The Koreans, even after an exodus of
veteran players, are now a more known quantity.
Hiddink's game plan revolved around teamwork, speed and a swarming defense.
Hiddink, regarded in South Korea as a national treasure, returned to his native
Netherlands to coach PSV Eindhoven and is now leading Australia at the World Cup
¡ª hoping to repeat his semifinal runs with the Netherlands in 1998 and South
Korea four years ago.
The Koreans have twice changed coaches since Hiddink, with incumbent Dick
Advocaat signing on last September. The former Rangers and Netherlands coach has
Hiddink's former deputy Pim Verbeek and Hong Myung-bo ¡ª the 2002 captain ¡ª on
his coaching staff.
Also on the positive side for the Koreans is the confidence they gained last
time and stronger competition more of the players faced in the interim,
including Park Ji-sung at Manchester United and Lee Young-pyo at Tottenham in
the English Premier League.
