This article is part of the Guardian’s 2018 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 32 countries who have qualified for Russia. theguardian.com is running previews from two countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 14 June.
South Korea played most of qualifying campaign with a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, since reaching Russia 2018 the coach, Shin Tae-yong, has been tinkering with the system for the finals. He prefers a fluid back three with two strikers in attack but has struggled to find the players for the roles, leading to an unsettled look for the team.
Korea rely on the combination of players in the attacking third. Although they do not have quality strikers they do have wingers and attacking midfielders in good form, such as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, Kwon Chang-hoon (of Dijon), Lee Jae-sung (Jeonbuk) and Hwang Hee-chan (Red Bull Salzburg).
The coach plans to make Son the forward, having seen him deputise ably for Harry Kane at Spurs, but was dismayed when injuries to the winger Lee Chung-yong and Kwon Kyung-won, a defensive midfielder who can play in defence, meant both had to be left out of the World Cup squad.
The indications now are that Shin may opt for a 4-4-2 after his preferred 3-5-2 failed against Bosnia in a warm-up friendly. The coach admitted afterwards that a back three would now be a Plan B. There were other questions from the Bosnia match – the biggest being where best to play his captain, Swansea’s Ki Sung-yueng. Play him deep, and he can help Korea retain possession but is vulnerable defensively, but push him further up and his passing can create chances.
Son and Ki are the most important players. Ki is the engine of the team, boasting the intelligence and experience that an underdog team must have. He might be slow but his vision and accurate passing is invaluable. As a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box midfielder, he provides the oxygen in the team.
While Ki is the heartbeat in the side, Son is the biggest football star in the country. He showed his talent Tottenham this season, and though he has scored a few important goals for his country, he has never really convinced for his country. The side are without a reliable, established frontman, so Son must shine up front for South Korea to flourish in Russia.
Probable starting XI
Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?
Lee Jae-sung. The all-action midfielder has been the best player in the K-League for the best two seasons though the expected move to Europe has not quite arrived –yet. Dynamic and with a fine eye for a pass, Lee is comfortable anywhere in midfield but is more likely to be on either flank in Russia.
Which player might disappoint?
Son on account of there being such a burden on his shoulders. He performed marvellously in the Premier League last season and so expectation is high – possibly too high – in South Korea for a player who has not shown his quality for the national team often enough. Shin has tried to find the most suitable role for Son, but it has not often worked.
What is the realistic aim for South Korea and why?
Second round. Most people are sceptical about South Korea’s chances. Realistically, it would be justifiable to predict a group-stage exit, but Korea have good combinations in attack and experience from various major leagues and tournaments. With a little luck, Korea can beat Sweden and get the chance to advance to the second round.
Seo Hyung-wook is the CEO of Footballist.
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