South Korea need to find 2002 spirit

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 today.

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 semifinals.

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," Hong said after the Algeria defeat. "This result is the reward for our preparation. We must prepare better for the next game."

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.

In South Korea's favour is that Belgium, who are top of the table with maximum points, are expected to rest some of their first-choice players. – AFP