Organised yet fluid, unbeaten in qualification yet vulnerable in friendlies, with young stars but an ageing backbone, South Korea are a mass of contradictions...
With eight appearances on the global stage to their name, South Korea can be proud of their World Cup finals appearance record. In South Africa, the Asian Tigers will be desperate to match that quantity with quality - and prove that theyâÂÂve got the ability to warrant global respect as a team.
Their home tournament in 2002 saw South Korea clock their first ever tournament win, and bag a place in the last four. Last time provided a debut victory on foreign soil. This one is all about surviving the first round for the first time ever overseas. For Korea, the second round equals success.
The omens so far are mixed. Qualification from AsiaâÂÂs Group of Death was smooth: they were unbeaten against their northern neighbours, westerly giants Saudi Arabia and Iran, plus whipping-boys UAE.
However, the Seoul media and public are uncertain at the moment as to whether this is a good team or not. Calls for Guus HiddinkâÂÂs return in February after a chaotic 3-0 defeat against China was followed by fulsome praise as Ivory Coast were beaten 2-0 in London.
Much hope rests on the âÂÂFab FourâÂÂ. This offensive quartet consists of Manchester UnitedâÂÂs Park Ji-sung, Lee Chung-yong of Bolton Wanderers, CelticâÂÂs Ki Sung-young and AS Monaco star Park Chu-young.
Park aside, the Fab Four are young. But as the competition approaches, more 2002 veterans are crawling out of the woodwork. Goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae is still there at 36, Lee Young-pyo is now a likely left-back starter and FrieburgâÂÂs Cha Du-ri has just been recalled to the right-back spot. Further forward, Ahn Jung-Hwan (now 34) and Kim Nam-il (33) are both in the frame.
Strengths
The Fab FourâÂÂs fine form gives hope that one of KoreaâÂÂs traditional weaknesses â an inability to convert chances into goals - is now not a problem. Especially as the stamina, pace, teamwork and never-say-die attitude are all still there, a clinical Korea would pose problems for all Group B opponents and the movement in attack â from the two Parks and the skilful Lee - is a part of KoreaâÂÂs game that has improved over the years.
Weaknesses
Ask any Red Devil what concerns them about the World Cup â apart from the fact that the Seoul media seems to believe that a trip to Johannesburg means almost certain death â and they will all say the defence.
The country has failed to produce a commanding centre-back since âÂÂthe Eternal Liberoâ Hong Myong-bo retired in 2002 and the number of different partnerships tried over the years would surprise even the most itchy-fingered tinkerman. ItâÂÂs still hard to predict exactly which two stoppers will take the pitch against Greece but whoever it is, recent inability to defend set pieces is a gift that the Greeks (and others) would gratefully accept.
Interesting fact
South Korea were the 17th best performers at the 2006 World Cup.
The Coach: Huh Jung-moo
HiddinkâÂÂs predecessor returned in December 2007 to an underwhelming reception â hardly surprising as he was, at the very best, third-choice after public rejections from Mick McCarthy and Gerard Houllier. It didnâÂÂt start too well but a willingness to trust in young players and a knack for getting a result gained the respect â if not affection â from the fans.
Key Player: Park Chu-young
HeâÂÂs always been able to link midfield and attack, and now the intelligent striker has added goals to his CV. One of AsiaâÂÂs best.
Probable Team (4-4-2): Lee Woon-jae; Cha Duri, Cho Yong-hyong, Lee Jung-soo, Lee Young-pyo; Lee Chung-young, Ki Song-yong, Kim Jung-woo, Park Ji-sung; Park Chu-young, Lee Dong-gook
World Cup Talentspotter: More details on the players
Q&A: FFT interviews a player from every nation
Fixtures
Greece, June 12, 12.30pm, Nelson Mandela Bay
Argentina, June 17, 12.30pm, Johannesburg
Nigeria, June 22, 7.30pm, Durban
Qualified First in AFC Group 2
Korea DPR (A) 1-1
United Arab Emirates (H) 4-1
Saudi Arabia (A) 2-0
Iran (A) 1-1
Korea DPR (H) 1-0
United Arab Emirates (A) 2-0
Saudi Arabia (H) 0-0
Iran (H) 1-1
World Cup record
1954 1st Round
1986 1st Round
1990 1st Round
1994 1st Round
1998 1st Round
2002 Semi-final
2006 1st Round
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