Park Ji Sung (Korea Republic)

Park Ji-Sung is widely considered to be the most successful player Korea Republic have produced since the legendary Cha Bum-Kun. Park played a key role in South Korea’s charge to the semi-finals in 2002 WC, and is currently starring for Manchester United. The weight of expectation will be firmly on his shoulders as Korea Republic bid for success in Germany. Nicknamed ‘the Oxygen Tank’, it is Park’s endless reserves of stamina that has help-ed him get where he is today. Park himself admits that he still has some way to go, and only hard work will get him there. Like his first name Ji-Sung, (Wise Star), Park seems sure to shine brightly in the future.

Ahn Jung Hwan (Korea Republic)

For many football fans, the verdict is still out on Korea Republic star Ahn Jung-Hwan. While many observers marvel at his technical ability, others point to a crucial lack of stamina at vital moments. However, few would deny that his movement and goalscoring talent have played a key role in his country’s success in recent years. Ahn made his international debut on April 23, 1997 in a friendly against China, and earned a place on the reserve list for France 98. The climax of his career came at the 2002 WC, where the canny management skills of coach Guus Hiddink brought the best out of the maverick forward.