World Cup Preview - Group H - South Korea

Nickname: "Taegeuk Warriors"

Absurd FIFA ranking: 55th! (sic!)

Coach: Legendary player Hong Myung Bo

Game Schedule:
June 17 – South Korea v. Russia (Cuiaba, 6:00 p.m. EST, ESPN)
June 22 – South Korea v. Algeria (Porto Alegre, 3:00 p.m., ESPN)
June 26 – South Korea v. Belgium (Sao Paulo, 4:00 p.m., ESPN)

Prospects: Despite their absurdly low FIFA ranking, South Korea are still far and away the best side in Asia. Still, they have lost a step since their semi-final exploits on home soil in 2002. This mean that the Warriors finished second in their qualifying group to lowly Iran. All in all, Korea rely on a team that has bags of energy and collective spirit, with many players having had European experience. The opener against Russia - their main rival for second spot in Group H - will be key. The fixtures work well for them, as Korea may have already qualified for the Round of 16 with two wins against weaker opposition before facing Belgium in the last match.

Key Player: Swansea City's Ki Sung Yeung runs this side - a real box to box midfielder with a engine that won't give in.

Youngster to watch: 21 year-old Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Son Heong Min shined in the Champions League this season. He's the main creative spark for the Warriors.

Who Will Get the Goals: Park Chu-Young has never been fancied by Arsene Wenger during his time at the Emirates but he was the top scorer for Korea during the qualifiers and plays up front alone.

Who Will Get the Cards: QPR left back Yun-Suk Young has trained under 'Arry Rednapp.

Funniest Name - If we're being honest, they're all a bit funny to the Western ear. This time around I'm plumping for central defender Hwang-Seok Ho.

Prediction: An opening win for Korea over a weak Russian side will propel them through the group stage, with a second finish in Group H. That sets them up for an almighty hammering by Germany in the Group of 16.