Outright Odds: 250/1
Group G Winners: ten/1
South Korea stunned the football planet 4 several years back whenever they beat Italy and Spain to reach the semi-finals with the 2002 World Cup. It had been a extraordinary accomplishment. From the group phase, an opening match get around Poland in addition to a shock one-0 triumph over Portugal ensured they became the first Asian team to qualify through the group phase given that Saudi Arabia in 1994.
In the 2nd round they defeated Italy in extra time, a consequence which noticed successful intention scorer Ahn Jung-Hwan sacked by his companies at Serie A club Perugia. They edged past Spain on penalties during the quarter finals just before a slender one-0 defeat in opposition to Germany in the semis brought their fairytale operate to an close.
Anticipations have risen significantly since then and Guus Hiddink is a hard act to follow. During qualification Korea went via two coaches ahead of fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat took around in planning for that finals in Germany.
South Korea have been far from convincing throughout qualification and Hiddkinks successor, HUmberto Coelho, lasted just two qualifying matches. He resigned after an uncomfortable goalless draw in opposition to the Maldives whose latest pedigree includes a 12-0 defeat to Syria and 17-0 hammering towards Iran.
Jo Bonfrere took more than and despite guiding the group for their fifth successive Environment Cup finals, Stop in August 2005 adhering to lacklustre performances. Korea concluded as runners up in their qualifying group but endured household and away defeats to Saudi Arabia and an 꽁머니 absent draw to http://edition.cnn.com/search/?text=꽁머니 lowly Uzbekistan.
Even though Hiddink appreciated nearly 50 percent a time Together with the crew 4 yrs back in preparation with the 2002 finals, Advocaat, by comparison, has scarcely had an opportunity to get to find out his squad.
South Korea will no more be observed being an unknown amount and a number of gamers are excelling at club stage in Europe. Hiddink took numerous high quality players with him to PSV Eindoven adhering to the final tournament whilst Park Ji-Sung secured a move to Manchester United.
It can be argued that Korea have struggled defensively because some of their veteran defenders retired since the previous Entire world Cup. Notably previous captain and defensive lynchpin Myung Bo Hong who participated while in the 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals, sooner or later retiring with one hundred thirty five caps.
Suggested Guess
Subsequent an exceptional run four a long time in the past, South Korea could revert again to their outdated ways of not which makes it previous the team stage. Expectation is at an all-time higher but they might endure a shock against Togo in their opening match who may very well be adequate for a draw.
Togo vs South Korea attract @ nine/4