FIFA World Cup Preview: South Korea Optimistic, To Hire Dutch Coach To Become Familiar With European Style Game
As compared to the United States and Australia, world No. 54 South Korea got off lightly in the last FIFA World Cup Draw, falling to Group H alongside Algeria, Belgium, and Russia. While the US and Australia landed on the Group of Death, the East Asian country found themselves on the "Happy" Group, a term made by the officials from the four nations involved in the group.
Football pundits, especially ESPN, predicted that Belgium and Russia are the teams that are going to advance to the next stage of the competitions that will be held in Brazil but for Korean officials, nothing is sure yet.
Russia manager Fabio Capello described the Taegeuk Warriors (the South Korea Nat'l football team's nickname) as being a physically strong opponent. He even said that no team should take their opponents lightly because all teams are playing at the highest level.
Although they are optimistic, South Korean football officials insist that they should play their best to be able to overcome popular predictions for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
"It is daunting to have to face Russia in our first match as the country is in strong form. We should focus our energy on the second game against Algeria," Korea Football Association vice-chairman Huh Jung-moo who led the Warriors to the last 16 round during the competition's 2010 edition.
In an effort to fortify their chances, South Korea is looking to sign a European football expert as coach.
"At the request of Hong, who wants a coach with a lot of knowledge of European football, we have been trying to negotiate a deal for the last two weeks," the KFA said on Sunday.
According to reports, the prospect is Ton Du Chatinier, who worked as an assistant manager under former Korea-coach Guus Hiddink from 2012-13 at Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala.
Du Chatinier is more known for his stint at the Russia Football Premier League and the Russia National team. He is also believed to be very knowledgeable of the Belgium national team because of the geographical proximity to the Netherlands, his home country.
