Team analysis | South Korea: Low expectations

South Korea (Group F)

Nickname: Taeguk Warriors

Appearances: 9 (1954 and 1986 to 2014)

Best finish: Fourth (2002)

FIFA ranking: 61

Coach: Shin Tae-Yong

The South Koreans huffed and puffed their way to a straight ninth World Cup. They finished second in Asia's Group A, needed Syria not to beat Iran in the last match, scored only 11 goals in their 10 matches and conceded 10.

Coach Uli Stielike was dismissed midway. His replacement, Shin Tae-Yong, did lead the team towards the plane to Russia, but things would be difficult in Germany's group. He is likely to go ahead with the 4-4-2 formation at the World Cup, though he has indicated he might try something else.

The team has some quality players who have excelled in Europe, like striker Son Heung-min and midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng. It is capable of troubling the rival defences, but could struggle to keep its own goal safe.

The exploits of the 2002 side – as the co-host, it had shocked Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain – would indeed seem a very distant memory for the South Korean fans. Not that they are expecting an extended stay for Taeguk Warriors in Russia.

The goal-poacher: Son Heung-min

South Korea's best hopes of creating an upset or two rest on this striker with great pace and finishing skills. The 25-year-old has had a superb season with Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 18 goals across competitions. The Premier League's top-scoring Asian of all time looks set to take that form to Russia. A few days ago, in the friendly against Honduras at Daegu, 'Sonaldo' scored with a screaming 25-yarder with his left foot to lead the host to a 2-0 win.

The orchestrator: Ki Sung-Yueng

Only the 14th player to win 100 caps for South Korea – he hit the century in the friendly against Honduras – the captain fantastic's role cannot be overstated. The 29-year-old Swansea City midfielder has to create chances, as he has for the national squad for a decade now, and give timely passes to Son Heung-min.

Clubs like Everton and AC Milan, according to reports, are interested in him. He could not have hoped for a better stage than the World Cup to impress his suitors.

Coach quote

Coach Shin Tae-Yong: It is possible for us to reach the round of 16. If we work harder and prepare thoroughly we can achieve our goal.

Did you know?

Ahn Jung-hwan, who scored South Korea's golden goal that knocked Italy out of the 2002 World Cup, was sacked by his Serie A club Perugia. The club's president said Ahn's goal was an offence to Italy.

Number stat

The number of games South Korea won in 48 years at the World Cup before 2002: 0

Fixtures

June 18 vs. Sweden

June 23 vs. Mexico

June 27 vs. Germany