History in the World Cup
South Korea have made it to 9 previous World Cup tournaments and 8 on the bounce (Russia will be 9 in a row). They have only made it out of the Groups twice - on home soil in 2002 & 8 years ago in South Africa. When they co-hosted the tournament in 2002, they also managed a, controversial, but fairy-tale, run to the semis before their dreams were crushed by Germany (who else?).
Current Form
Since the start of 2017, they've played 18, won 6, drawn 6 and lost 6. A neat, symmetrical record but also a problem for opponents as they have no idea what to expect. There are some talented players in the squad but, I suspect they might not do too well in this tournament. In their qualifying group, they scored 11 and conceded 10 - not the type of form that will strike fear into the hearts of the world's best. January's Asia Cup should be a more enticing prospect for the South Koreans.
Squad
Manager: Shin Tae-Yong
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Jinh-yeon, Cho Hyeon-woo
Defenders: Kim Young-gwon, Jang Hyunsoo, Jeong Seungh-yeon, Yun Yeong-seon, Kwon Kyung-won, Oh Bansuk, Kim Jinsu, Kim Minwoo, Park Jooho, Hong Chul, Go Yohan, Lee Yong
Midfielders: Ki Sung-yueng, Jeong Woo-young, Kwon Chang-hoon, Ju Se-jong, Koo Jacheol, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Seung-woo, Moon Sun-min, Lee Chung-yong
Forwards: Kim Shin-wook, Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Keun-ho
Danger Man
Son Heung-min is at the peak of his game. Adept at playing in the channels as a hard working, deep-lying forward, or outside as a wide player coming infield, the Tottenham Hotspur man is the talisman of this South Korean side. Son is a good goalscorer. 30 in 99 Premier League games & 21 in 62 BuLi games, with smart movement and excellent first touch. He is just as likely to create as he is to score due to his eagerness to press for the team and find space in between the lines.
Current Rankings
FIFA : Current - 61
Highest - 17
ELO : Current - 30
Highest - 15
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