World Cup 2006 Preview - South Korea

Outright Odds: 250/1
Group G Winners: 10/1

South Korea shocked the football world four years ago when they beat Italy and Spain to reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. It was a remarkable achievement. In the group stage, an opening match win over Poland and a shock 1-0 triumph over Portugal ensured they became the first Asian team to qualify from the group stage since Saudi Arabia in 1994.

In the second round they defeated Italy in extra time, a result which saw winning goal scorer Ahn Jung-Hwan sacked by his employers at Serie A club Perugia. They edged past Spain on penalties in the quarter finals before a narrow 1-0 defeat against Germany in the semis brought their fairytale run to an end.

Expectations have risen considerably since then and Guus Hiddink is a hard act to follow. During qualification Korea went through two coaches before fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat took over in preparation for the finals in Germany.

South Korea were far from convincing during qualification and Hiddkink