Taeguk Warriors born anew in 2002

[Toke-E-Yo]

Originally Posted by www.worldcup.com

Before the first-ever finals on Asian soil, in 2002, Korea Republic were considered little more than polite guests at the party. Despite having qualified for every finals since Mexico 1986, they had failed to win a single match over the course of four consecutive competitions and 12 straight games.





But on the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™ all was about to change for the previously gun-shy Taeguk Warriors. Armed with throngs of fans roaring on their unlikely heroes and Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink pulling the strings, the South Koreans were about to spark some stunning performances en route to the last four.
Though most so-called experts expected Japan – with their stylish overseas stars – to turn in the best performances of the co-hosts, it soon became clear that the largely home-based South Koreans were going to be the team to watch. And the passion generated in the streets throughout the country was something akin to a nationwide carnival.

On 4 June, the Taeguk Warriors – expected to be little more than sentimental favourites in a tough group – stunned the watching world and sent their supporters in Busan into fits of ecstasy with a pair of goals from Hwang Sun Hong and Yoo Sang Chul that had fancied Poland looking awfully ordinary.

The 2-0 result proved no fluke either. It soon became clear that with Hiddink's tactical awareness and preparation allied to the team's hard running and superlative teamwork, the South Koreans were going to cause opponents problems on their home patch.

Next up, a hard-earned draw with the much-improved United Sates down south in Daegu was another step in the right direction. The 78th-minute equaliser from Ahn Jung Hwan also introduced one of the finals' new stars. With long hair flowing and an uncanny knack for getting his head to the ball first in a crowded penalty area, the hitherto little-known striker's heroics would not end there.

But it was current Manchester United star Park Ji Sung (bought by Sir Alex Ferguson after a successful stint with old boss Hiddink at PSV Eindhoven) who undid the monumentally disappointing Portuguese in the final group match with a stunning goal that saw the home side finish top of the group. Millions of fans poured into the Seoul streets to celebrate an end to their consistent failures on the world stage. The colour was red and the Taeguk Warriors were the sudden and somewhat unlikely heroes of world football.



Knockout blows
The round of sixteen brought a date with mighty Italy – and according to most bookmakers and neutrals – an inevitable end to the hysteria that was gripping the nation. But with an imposing atmosphere created by the fans in Daejeon and a bit of luck, the Koreans pulled off a shock 'golden goal' win in extra time.
Christian Vieri's early opener was equalised in the dying moments of regulation time by Seol Ki Hyeon before Ahn turned hero again with a glancing header to seal the victory. A spot in the quarter-finals sent the nation into party mode again. Though the match was not without its controversy - the Italians were upset to see a Damiano Tommasi goal ruled out and Francesco Totti sent off - the home fans did not care and the celebrations throughout the country went on deep into the night – and in Seoul clear through to dawn and beyond.

Up next came a tangle with another European heavyweight, Spain in Gwangju. Despite bossing the play and scoring two disallowed goals, the Spanish could not put away their opponents and penalties loomed. The final spot-kick came fittingly from the foot of grand old man Hong Myung Bo, veteran of every South Korean side from Italia 90 onwards. After years of failure, Korea Republic suddenly found themselves where few have dared to tread – in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

And at home in Seoul against a peculiarly modest Germany – who only just managed to put the US out in the quarters – some even saw fit to dub the home side favourites. Hiddink, now akin to an honorary god, would surely have his side ready for a fight.






Unfortunately their efforts were not enough as Michael Ballack taught the Asians a lesson everyone in the world already knew: Germany are not a side easily denied or prone to sentimental gestures. One Ballack goal was enough to see the brave hosts out but despite the loss, fireworks lit up the night over Seoul and the country took time out to celebrate one last time.
The impressive Ahn even fired a warning for the watching world at the post-match press conference. "We have seen the potential of the Korean team," he said tearfully. "If we keep trying, based on this experience, we can be top of the world ... in four years we will be aiming for the final."

With memories of 2002 still vivid and their stars now gracing Europe's top leagues, all will do well not to underestimate the Asian giants next summer in Germany.

For the Koreans, hope to see you do asia proud next year!

VIVA LA ASIA!

[3tym]

holla back woot woot.

we owned germany with a rematch in dec. woot woot.

3-1 son

[Lion Heart]

That picture in your sig is making me dizzy.

[RedDevilZ]

Go Korea... They will do crap.. LOOLL i THINK>~ZZ