World Cup: South Korea player by player

World Cup surprise South Korea will throw everything they have at Germany to try and reach the final.

GOALKEEPERS
KIM BYUNG-JI

Rated the best goalkeeper in South Korea and he is technically able but he can stray from his line when he then struggles to regain position. Very fast reflexes and good hand speed but his command of the area could be better.

CHOI EUN-SUNG

A recent introduction into Guus Hiddink's side and he may feature and a real challenger to Kim who was the first choice last year. Lacks the flamboyancy of Kim but a decent shot-stopper who may be the second choice overall for Hiddink if he goes with Lee in goal.

LEE WOON-JAE

A former first choice under previous coach Huh Jung-moo and a good goalkeeper who could start for Hiddink after good recent form.

DEFENDERS

CHOI JIN-CHUL

He was introduced into the side last year and has now made a late surge to claim a World Cup place ahead of more experienced defenders. Mobile and tidy tackler who obeys orders to stick with Hiddink's chosen system.
HONG MYUNG-BO

Nearly one hundred and thirty caps for the national side and should be at the peak of his career for the tournament this summer. Assured defender who is a tidy tackler and a powerful header of the ball. A real leader in defence for the side.

KIM TAE-YOUNG

Not as experienced as some in the defence, he is another neat defender who can pass the ball out of trouble and is fast enough to close down players running at the defence.
LEE MIN-SUNG

Tough tackler who wins the ball for the rest of the side to play. He is strong in the air and an able defender who allows the others to play around him. He can mark a man or concentrate on protecting space.

HYUN YOUNG-MIN

Featured as a midfielder last year in friendlies but now moved into the back line by Hiddink where he can cover in central positions but is best placed on the wing.

MIDFIELDERS

AHN JUNG-HWAN

A recent choice by Hiddink whose tenacious play in midfield has helped him become a World Cup finalist after a reasonable season with Perugia. He was a late inclusion by Hiddink into the squad after only featuring in a few friendlies ahead of the finals but has a good all-round midfield game.

CHOI SUNG-YONG

A full back who contributes to play up the field with neat distribution and well-timed runs. He will not struggle to hold down a place in the defence and is a first choice for Hiddink.

KIM NAM-IL

Runabout midfielder whose game does not have a lot of depth or variety but he can link well play well and works hard for team mates.

LEE EUL-YONG

Another of Hiddink's midfield experiments of last year has introduced Lee who looked more comfortable than most with the Dutch coach's desire to play an attacking 4-3-3 system.

LEE YOUNG-PYO

Former coach Huh Jung-moo promoted him from the Olympic team after he helped Anyang win the Korean league title two years ago. Very attack-minded midfielder who is effective through the middle and can also drift wide to cross and cut inside for shots.

PARK JI-SUNG

Park plays in the J-League for Kyoto and has done so for the past four years in an unusual move for a Korean player. He attacks well from midfield and is often entrusted with free kicks.
YOO SANG-CHUL

Midfield passer who often collects the ball from defenders before trying to find the right through pass for Choi Yong-So to run on to. Two good feet and a good header who also works hard to close opponents down. His close passing and control fit well into the overall team pattern of crisp passing and possession.

SONG CHUNG-GUG

Very talented midfielder who varies positions and uses wing play well. Directs play very well and is vital when Korean need a midfielder to direct play.

YOON JONG-HWAN

First choice when fit, Yoon also plays in the J-League with Gamba Osaka and he is a creative force for Hiddink when included in the side. Links play very well and prompts the attack intelligently.

STRIKERS

CHA DOO-RI

Used in friendlies recently as a substitute and not a great scorer so far for Hiddink. Compact and skittish front runner who has yet to prove a decisive finisher.

CHOI TAE-UK

He can be used in midfield rather than up front where his inconsistent wing play gets more protection from team mates.

HWANG SUN-HONG

On the verge of his fourth World Cup finals, Hwang''s presence indicates the failure of younger strikers to force their way into the squad under Hiddink after two years of constant chopping and changing under the Dutch coach. Tidy striker who makes good runs for the midfield and has a good goal scoring record for Korea.

LEE CHUN-SOO

He can also be used as a midfielder where he made his start under Hiddink last year in friendlies but the Dutch coach likes his versatility and ability to switch play across the team to try and find space but is not a certain starter.

SEOL KI-HYEON

The first Korean to play in Europe's Champions League last season, Seol is now the first choice partner for Hwang after missing several games for Hiddink due to club commitments. Now in favour again and a trier who has yet to find the goal touch for the national team.
CHOI YONG-SOO

He has been watched recently by AC Milan but a move is unlikely until he is tested at the highest international level which will come this summer. Strong, with good control and a powerful shot he could be the Korean star of the tournament if he shows his finishing ability to the full.