FIFA World Cup 2018: A comprehensive look at Group F

#4 Korea Republic

Korea Republic is not expected to play any major role in the Group F

For years, Korea has been the top dog in Asian football, most notably reaching the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, which they jointly hosted. Times are not so dominant now, as Korea managed to qualify only as the third team from Asia - behind Iran and Japan.

Korea qualified as the runners-up of their final Asian qualification round, behind leaders Iran by seven points. They conceded 10 goals in the 10 matches, managing to score only 11 - including 3 0-0 draws in the run.

Coach: Shin Tae-Yong

After the disastrous regime under Stielike, Shin was appointed in 2017 with the purpose of getting Korea qualified to the WC. Despite all the misgivings, he has managed to do that despite the Korean Football Association's perceived lack of sharpness.

The problem with this appointment is the lack of time. One year is definitely not enough time to gel with the team, and it is surprising even what little Shin has managed to do of the team. It helps that Shin was the former Olympic coach and had coached the national U-20 team.

South Korea's squad for the World Cup

Most of the Korean players play in and around China, most particularly in the J-League. Kim Seung-gye is one of them, and the keeper has been part of the national side since 2014 and will once again start in goal.

Afterward things get a little murky. Shin has shown an affinity towards the 3-4-3, even though his team hasn't and prefers to play in the 4-4-2. Chances are that the 3-4-3 will be continued out of stubbornness despite its poor returns.

Young-gwon, Joo-ho, Hyun-soo and Lee Yong are the more experienced of defenders and are more likely to be rotated depending on the formation. Swansea City's Ki plays as the Defensive Midfielder, and is also the captain of the team.

Hong Chul and Ja-Cheol are the wingers of the team, with Jae-Sung playing behind them as the No.10. Hellas Verona's Seung-Woo has been given the nickname of Korean Messi and is expected to be the future star of the nation.

Despite not starting a lot of games, his inclusion is a positive sign for the development of football in the nation, and much appreciated. The strike force is partnered by Tottenham Hotspur's Son and RB Salzburg's Hee-Chan.

Both of these players are in excellent form and Korea's fortunes in the tournament will depend a lot on these two. They are the most clinical and creative players in the team, and expect a lot of foreigners to know their names by the team they get out of Russia.

Korea's most famous superstar

Player to watch out for: Son Heung-min

The Spurs playmaker has had a fantastic season in the PL, and this is his chance to replicate that for the national team.

Another point to consider is that he is on the verge of being sent to the mandatory military training by the nation and a strong showing here might earn him an exemption - rare, but possible.

Will Korea send one of their most promising footballers ever to a mandatory camp and let him lose the peak of his footballing years? A showing in Russia stands as the deciding factor.

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