Koreans need spirit of 2002 against Belgium

Image
AFP Sao Paulo
Last Updated : Jun 25 2014 | 10:56 AM IST
Struggling South Korea will need to rediscover the magical spirit of 2002 as they fight to rescue their dismal World Cup campaign against unbeaten Belgium here tomorrow.
After drawing with Russia and losing 4-2 to Algeria, Group H's bottom side need to win big against already-qualified Belgium if they are to stay in the tournament.
Logic decrees the Koreans will soon be following Japan home as their attack has been largely toothless so far, coupled with severe problems in defence.
But coach Hong Myung-Bo can draw at least on his experiences at the 2002 tournament, when he was part of the team that shocked the world by reaching the semi-finals.
That year, the unquenchable desire of Guus Hiddink's team and some favourable refereeing decisions helped the Taeguk Warriors upset Portugal, Italy and Spain.
This time around, things have been different. The 1-1 draw with Russia owed much to Igor Afinkeev's goalkeeping howler, and South Korea were then taken apart by unfancied Algeria.
"Now we have to turn the page," said Hong after the Algeria defeat. "This result is the reward for our preparation. We must prepare better for the next game, it's our only option."
On-loan Arsenal striker Park Chu-Young remains goalless and Hong had some choice words for his defence after they conceded three in the first half against Algeria.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 25 2014 | 10:56 AM IST

Next Story