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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

South Korea World Cup 2022 guide: Star player, fixtures, squad, one to watch, odds to win

South Korea are appearing at their 10th consecutive World Cup, with the highlight a run to the semi-finals on home soil in 2002.

They have won only three matches at the tournament since then though and suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Brazil earlier this year.

Much will depend on Heung-min Son’s recovery from eye surgery, even if the Tottenham forward has declared himself fit.

Here’s everything you need to know about South Korea…

Coach: Paulo Bento. Portugal boss when they suffered a group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup.

Captain: Heung-min Son. Scored at the last two World Cups and gives his country a chance in every match.

Star player: Heung-min Son. In the minds of South Korean fans, it is probably a toss-up between Son and whoever is responsible for fitting his protective mask.

One to watch: Kim Min-jae. The Napoli defender will have to be at his best up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez.

Odds to win: 250/1

Mountain: Kim Min-jae has stoodout defensively (AFP via Getty Images)

World ranking: 28

Best thing about them: How easy they make qualifying look. Only Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain have a longer active streak of World Cup appearances.

Worst thing about them: Can be too reliant on Son, who has been a fair way off his best for Tottenham even without the injury concern.

Their prospects in three words: Pressure on Son.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

November 24 vs Uruguay (1pm)

November 28 vs Ghana (1pm)

December 2 vs Portugal (3pm)

Squad in full

Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Jo Hyeon-woo, Song Bum-keun

Defenders: Kim Min-jae, Kim Jin-su, Hong Chul, Kim Moon-hwan, Yoon Jong-gyu, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Tae-hwan, Kwon Kyung-won, Cho Yu-min

Midfielders: Jung Woo-young, Na Sang-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Son Jun-ho, Song Min-kyu, Kwon Chang-hoon, Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom, Jeong Woo-yeong, Lee Kang-in

Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo, Cho Gue-sung

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