South Korea stunned the planet in 2002 by reaching the semi-finals, and they arrive in North America with the players to cause chaos again. Son Heung-min leads the side like a pop star leading a world tour. Kim Min-jae is a wall at the back, and Lee Kang-in supplies the creative spark he shows at PSG. The Red Devils of Asia are no joke. Whether they can go deep in the tournament is another matter.
Hong Myung-bo is the manager, and the team sits around 23rd in the FIFA ranking.
Is this Son Heung-min's last World Cup?
It may well be, and that makes Korea dangerous. Son is a proven world-class forward with more than 100 Premier League goals, and he can score against anyone on his day. A motivated Son is a frightening one.
Behind him:
- Kim Min-jae, one of the best centre-backs in the world after starring at Bayern Munich
- Lee Kang-in, whose creativity from Paris Saint-Germain can open the tightest defences
- a squad famous for never stopping running and fighting for every ball
That 2002 semi-final run proved Korean football can produce a tournament miracle on the biggest stage.
The weakness is depth. There is not much behind the starting eleven, and one injury to a key player could end their tournament. Underestimate the Red Devils at your own risk, all the same.
The countdown continues tomorrow with number 25.
